100 claws,20 paws, 5 tails, and tons of fur

WOW...what a difference a Year makes!

2012-01-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

I just realized that it has been almost exactly one year since my last post. At the end of my last post I gave some indication that there may be big news to come in my next post. What I failed to do was that next post. The "next post" would have read something like this...Watch out world, there's a new Horton on the way!

At my last post, I was in the 1st month of my 1st pregnancy! We found out the first or second week in January that we were pregnant. In April, at 20 weeks, we found out we were having a BOY. After 40 weeks, 8 ultrasounds, 1 trip to the ER and many visits to Dr. Wingo, on Sept 15, we welcomed Brantley Wyman to our family! He weighed 10.05lbs and was 20.5 inches long! He was born at 7:49 in the morning via scheduled C-section.

It was the best day of our lives! He is such a sweet little guy and is growing like a weed. Today, he is one day past his 4 month birthday. He rolls over by himself, has 2 teeth coming in, is learning to sit unassisted, and has discovered his voice. He is about 20lbs now, and is growing up way too quickly.

I have not forgotten my blog, I promise!

2011-01-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hello to all! It has really been a long time since I updated, so here goes. Well, in the last few months, we have had snow, more snow, and still more snow. I love snow and since marrying Brad, have learned to drive in snow and ice. I really don't mind it anymore. Brittany has also learned to drive in bad weather, if you know her, you know that driving on a sunny day is a challenge for her, so this really is a big feat!! We had a great fall,also. Brad started school in September and got another license...his last of the program. I am so proud of the success he's had. We are currently 7 days from his 5th year. If you know us well, can you believe it's almost over! He has made me so proud, I can't even tell you. He hates anything to do with school, but has done amazingly well with this program. Things have really started to fly by for him! Journeyman here he comes!!

Horton Horton, if you don't know, that's Brad's dad's real name, is doing really well. He has seen all doctors in the last two weeks and has gotten clean bills of health from all of them. I mean this wholeheartedly, he is truly a new man. He is still struggling some with food and saliva and swallowing, but nothing like a few months ago. Also, I have decided after this experience with him and my mom's cancer treatment a few years ago, that all oncologists/doctors treating cancer patients should provide or at the very least suggest that their patients either seek some sort of therapy or support group to deal with such an awful disease and what it does to you mentally and emotionally, as well as physically. He, Brad's dad, couldn't have made the progress he has without the support of his support group of men that he met. I'm not sure how often they meet, but he has gained so much from these men. Brad's mom, too, will tell you how important they have been in his recovery. Cancer is devastating and anyone who receives that diagnosis, really should consider getting help dealing with it!

The kiddos are good. They are rotten...wait, let me rephrase...Waylon is rotten. This very morning, he decided to stand up and take my bagel off the counter. Obviously, he needed it more than I did!! He is a little over 1 year old and weighs 75 lbs. I had no idea he would get so big. The other ones tolerate him. Diesel does not like him. Holley has always been the instigator of all pestering, until Waylon came along...she gets a run for her money now!! Lilly doesn't mind him, most of the time. There have been a few times, lately where he has really worn on her nerves and I litterally stepped back, because she got so mad at him!

So, really no huge changes for right now...maybe in the next post I'll have some big news, instead of playing catch up!! I hope you all are doing well!!

Catching up...

2010-08-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Since it has been so long...I figured I would catch everyone up on our lives. First of all, Brad's dad is finished with all treatment. He has been through more than we ever realized he would. He ended up only having one chemo, but did have 7 weeks of radiation. He also had 2 hospital admissions as a result of side effects. The most severe problems he had were after treatment was over. When he finished radiation, his throat and neck area were so "burned" from radiation that to cope with that, his body started producing mucus to coat the rawness. The mucus got thicker and thicker and more and more for many weeks. He couldn't eat anything orally because he was choking so badly on the mucus. His only nurishment was coming from the feeding tube. As a result, he is soooo skinny. He is to the point now, where his body is starting to recover. He is learning to eat food, again, because it has been so long since he's eaten, his throat muscles and stomach are so weak, he can't easily get anything down. Also, he lost most of saliva glands and has a really hard time getting food to down.

We saw him about a month ago and he tried so hard to eat food, since Brad was there to eat with him, but really he only moved it around on his plate. He did call Brad last week to tell him he was doing better with trying to eat...he had eaten a half of a hamburger, 2 chicken nuggets and a milkshake. He is so proud of even the smallest accomplishment. Brad talked to them on Monday and he informed Brad that now he can add a Hardees mini thick burger to his list of accomplishments...even though it took him an entire half gallon of milk to get it down.

All in all, I can say he is really trying to get back to where he can eat and do the things he enjoys...he still can't drive and on most days is too weak to even leave the house, but each week seems to be a little brighter for him. He gets really excited anytime he knows he's going to get to see Brad..so we've been trying to go more often. They went for a ride in Brad's truck last month and Wade loved it!! Thanks to everyone for their prayers...it really made a difference!

On a more fun note...look how absolutely adorable Waylon is...he is 10 months old and about 65lbs. He loves water and Holley dog!!

and this is how he looked when he came inside the other night!!

Updates

2010-03-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy early spring for the Hortons. As you know from my last post, we added a new family member...he is growing like a weed. Waylon is almost 6 months old and is so stinkin' cute. He is super playful and loves Holley and Diesel...probably more than Diesel loves him. Lilly is anxiously awaiting the opening of the pool...it's hard to chase a tennis ball when the water isn't circulating.

We also learned since my last post that Brad's dad has cancer. It was found in his tonsils. You might just say, "Why not remove his tonsils?" we both said that...but apparently it is more involved than that, especially at 66. He started chemo last week and is having radiation every day for 7 weeks. So far, he is doing well other than nausea and exhaustion. He had to have a feeding tube because eating will become so difficult. Last week, after radiation #3, the nurse/tech wouldn't get help to help him off the radiation table and when she tried to get him up, he tore the muscles in his abdomen. It has been a very tough few weeks for the whole Horton family. Brad idolized his dad and is really struggling with the fact that his hero is going through this. Please pray for a quick few months and that the treatment goes well.

A New Addition to the Horton's Wild Kingdom

2010-02-03T08:55:00.001-08:00

After my last post, on December 10, Brad brought home three of the most precious puppies ever! There were two white and brown/yellow ones and a black one. He took them to the vet and found out that they were around 8 weeks old and surprisingly healthy. We went next door to show Aunt Beth, who obviously fell in love with them like we did. She told us that Leon, her boyfriend, had mentioned getting a puppy. So we had one potential home on the horizon. The next day, Leon came over and wanted to see the puppies. He immediately fell in love with the white/yellow one. He decided that night that he would be taking the little fellow home with him, after Beth got out of the hospital the next week. Yay, we had one adopted, 2 to go! Later the same night, a friend of mine called and said he knew a family that wanted to see the little black one. The next day, we drove to meet the family so they could see the little guy. We didn't know it, but the dad of the family was to be deployed to Afghanistan in January and the family wanted a puppy for their little girl. The mom fell in love with the little puppy as soon as I got out of the truck with him. I was so excited about this little guys new home...this family was AMAZING and I felt really good about the little puppy's future with a loving family.
In one day, we had gotten new homes for all but one...and so the story begins!

The remaining little puppy was the runt. On Thanksgiving day, Brad took me to Sylvan to see the puppies he had been talking about for several weeks. It was hard to see them because the mom was so protective. They were all huddled together and laying on top of each other when I got over to them...the only one I could really see was this tiny little white one with brown spots. I told Brad that I really hoped the little one with brown spots came home with him. Since we found homes for the other two, I worked very hard to convince Brad that we would nee I am proud to introduce little Waylon Horton...our newest addition.

Recap of the last few weeks

2009-12-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

Yet again, I know its been a while. Since my last post, we have celebrated Thanksgiving with our fried turkeys, which were fried the night before as always! Thanksgiving dinner was at my house...mom, dad, Brittany, and granny were our only guests this year. We had way too much food, as usual, so Holley, Diesel, and Lily had a wonderful dinner that night as well.

As you would expect, Brittany and I set out for Black Friday at 4:45. We went to Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Kohls, and then 2 malls. I was completely exhausted. On Saturday, Brad and I went to meet his parents for dinner that they changed in lunch after they changed the location 2 times. Thats all I'm going to say...because I have nothing nice to say, other than I enjoyed shopping in Bowling Green, when we finally got away from them.

Since then, we have celebrated Brittany's birthday and last night, we got to see Abby's christmas program at school. It was so cute. She is the tallest kid in her class! It is amazing to see so many 1st graders organized and doing an hour long program!

Brad and I will be getting probably 2-3 puppies this week...a dog at his work had puppies in the yard at the shop. Brad doesn't want something bad to happen to them, so he said we would bring them home and give them away. They are mutts, but really cute, medium in size and probably 5-6 weeks old. Let me know if you are interested or know anyone who might be interested.

I love the holiday season. If you know me well, you know that I didn't take my decorations down last year, partly because Holley ate the tree box and partly because I am really lazy...but now its time to turn the lights on and enjoy them again!

I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and I hope that Santa visits you all!!!!

I'm still here!!

2009-10-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I have been very unmotivated to update the blog in recent months. I just couldn't seem to find anything super exciting that made me want to write...everyday life seems so normal sometimes.

Finally, something worthwhile came about...our 2nd annual Race for the Cure was last weekend. We had a great race and can't wait until next year. First, I want to thank all of you for joining us...I appreciate you very much! Second, I loved Maryland Farms. The race moved this year from downtown Nashville to Maryland Farms in Brentwood. The course was so easy and for a chubby girl that is super out of shape, it was awesome.

Mom and dad came to the race again this year...she had to sit in the car the whole time because it was so chilly, but nonetheless, she still made it! Dad stayed with her until the race started and then he came down to the starting line to watch us start and finish. We weren't able to all walk together the whole time because some of us push a stroller like we are on a mad dash for a cupcake or something and some of us were having knee surgery 3 days later. The super fast stroller pusher and her runner husband, along with Brad...who certainly would have chased a cupcake...along with Seth, Ashley, and Julia waited for the slow group consisting of Brittany who was entertaining Rachel pre-knee surgery and me, the girl who gets a blister at 2.5 of 3.2 miles all finished together thanks to the team spirit of the fast group!!

Other than super low blood sugar for guess who, and a blister for me...I think we finished injury free and ready to get everyone involved next year. There is really something to be said for all those survivors proudly wearing their pink shirts. God is good!! Enjoy our slideshow and plan to join us next year!! Oh, by the way...our shirts were amazing...as you can see below...i'm really proud of them!!

Summertime with the Hortons

2009-07-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

I just realized it has been almost a month since I last posted. I guess time gets away from me in the summers. It seems like we have lots going on, but really we don't.

Our summer has been moving along way too rapidly. Brad has gotten used to going to work and coming home. When September gets here, he is going to hate having to go back to school. He is busy with work (which we are so thankful for) and cutting grass. He doesn't have a ton of yards, but does cut almost every house on the street he grew up on. We have had a lot of rain this year, so thankfully, grass is growing!

The pool has been a huge pain in the rear this year!! Don't get me wrong, I love it, but, this weather has made chemical maintenance more tricky. Hopefully, we have it under control now. It has been really chilly over the last few days, since our weather has been so nice. I'll take it though, because I would much rather have nicer days than good temperatured pool water! So far, only Holley has gotten/fallen in. I believe that was a result of her brother maybe pushing her in...he is terrified of the pool, but never hesitates to give Holley just the shove she needs to fall in. Lilly loves the pool, because she pushes her toys in with her front paws and then chases them around the pool until she can paddle the water and get the toy back.

The other day I looked outside and saw Lilly drop her dumbbell in the pool. It floated around and got stuck under a couple of floats. She watched patiently and then moved to the other side to see if she could find a better angle to see where the dumbbell had gone. She then returned to the original spot, took her paw and moved the float out of the way. Next she leaned down, started paddling the water with both front paws and finally leaned in and got the dumbbell. The dog is absolutely AMAZING! She is more fun to watch than you could ever imagine.

We had a great 4th of July! We had one of the biggest turn-outs we've had. I loved seeing all of our friends and their little ones. Brad and I were totally the minority, as we were the only ones without kids. We ended up with 6 kids and 11 adults. The kids got to swim for a little bit before the rain set in. The fireworks started early, but we did get to see them. Thanks to all of you for coming over this year, I loved getting to see everyone!!

Days of our lives...

2009-06-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

Lots of excitement has been going on for the Jumps/Hortons. As some of you may know, Brittany and her husband are splitting up. This is due to many reasons. It is a good thing for Brittany. She is doing well with life. She has been promoted at work and is really trying hard to move forward from this bad situation. While I did not approve of this decision early on and while I made that very clear to her and everyone else, I now see that this is the BEST idea she's had. The divorce is still a few months from being finalized. However, she has recently found out that some very big things are happening in her soon to be former husband's life and will be for the next 7-9 months. As I said, they are not divorced. While I know that Brittany has not made the best decisions in all situations, this situation is beyond ridiculous. I am worried that an unstable, young woman may make some poor decisions which could prove to be dangerous. Please say a prayer that this situation ends peacefully for all involved.

I hope everyone is having a good summer! The pool is open and proving a little stubborn this year. All this rain is eating my chlorine. Hopefully with lots of sunny days ahead, everything will level out. I know Brad is glad to be able to come home from a hot day at work and get in the pool. He always says that is his favorite thing about having a pool. For me, obviously I enjoy the tanning potential!! Have a great summer everyone!!

Lots to catch up on...

2009-06-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

I know it has been an eternity since I have posted any new info, but lots to talk about now. We have great news...Brad is working!!!!!! Let me repeat that for anyone who didn't see it the first time...Brad is working!!! Let me also say that furlows, suck...I mean really suck!! At least now, we finally get to see what his raise is, the one he should have gotten in February...but just started getting. On a side note, I think maybe he had gotten used to being a "house husband" as he named himself. He is so excited to be back at work and getting something accomplished. School got out last week and oh wait, I forgot, Brad is the Apprentice of the Year!!! I am so proud of him...he was pretty proud, himself.

I am thrilled to say that the pool is open and ready to go, so if you are bored on the weekend or on a Wednesday...come on over!!! Holley is so excited...she loves the pool. Diesel is in no way excited about the pool, he paces back and forth like he thinks something is going to happen. Lilly is just Lilly. She drops a toy in the pool and either figures out how to get it out or follows it around the pool for hours.

We are so excited for summer...especially since we are both employed, again!!

I realize everyday how lucky I am to have such a great husband and such cute "kids". I love that no matter what is going on in my life, hearing my husband say he loves me, always makes it better. It also doesn't hurt to come home to the 3 most loving dogs in the whole world. My "kids" love us so much and just want to love us!! I see everyday just how blessed I am!!

Life

2009-04-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while because I had hoped that when I did post, I would have good news. Well, not so much. We still haven't heard anything from Brad's work. Yes, it has been a really long time, January, in fact. Please pray that at some point he gets to go back.

Brad and I did the Susan G Komen Ride for the Cure in Clarksville this weekend. It was nothing like Nashville's race. There were not a lot of people, but those who were there, were very passionate about finding a cure. We chose to walk instead of riding bikes which got us done quicker because the walkers only did a 5K instead of the longer distances the bikers did. It was a good event to be a part of!!

My mom has had a tough week. She fell on Wednesday trying to get into a restaurant. She says now that she feels better, but is still pretty bruised.

I would like to ask everyone to please say a prayer for my family. Right now, I can't say anything specific, at least publicly, but some things are going on that I would like you all to help me ask God to take control of. It seems like when things start to maybe look up, something always happens to knock you right back down. I know that God will embrace us and guide all decisions, but I would love to have you all ask for His presence to be known for our family and this situation.

I hope you all are doing well. I am hoping that we are going to be experiencing some nice weather soon, instead of all the rain we've seen lately...don't get me wrong, the rain is certainly necessary, but the sunshine is so nice to see!!

YAY Spring!!!

2009-03-20T12:25:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone is doing well!!! I love spring, except that I don't like the smell of Bradford pear trees...anyway...it is so nice to see flowers blooming and sunshine.

Another reason I like spring is because it brings my birthday!!! I am ok with admitting that last year I was terribly sad to turn 30. This year, I guess I'm over it, because 31 was no big deal. Tuesday came and went with little excitement. We will be celebrating with the family this weekend. Brittany works at night, so dinner on weekdays doesn't work for dad, because he has to make sure "baby brickey" is able to attend all meals.

On Tuesday night, Brad and I went to see mom and dad to get my birthday presents and when I walked in the den, mom was sitting on the couch minus the wig. HOLY COW, my mom has more hair than I ever remember seeing her with. It is as white as snow and really thick...it is so cute. I told her she should get some gel and wear it that way all the time. I saw her again for our Wednesday lunch and what do you know, she had no wig, just fabolous white spikey hair.

We are going to start our 9th week of unemployment for Brad on Monday. I just hope and pray that at some point, something breaks and some work starts. He is having a really hard time dealing with the length of time he's gone without work. I just really hope that it picks up soon and he doesn't have to go much longer. I am afraid that the longer this continues he is going to start thinking about quitting the program. Right now, that is such a real possibility for him and it scares me to death. He has accomplished more in this program than I would ever have imagined. He loves what he does and what this union and apprenticeship are about...I just hope at some point something picks up. So, if anyone needs his handyman services, please give him a call!! He's a very nice boy and will give you a fair price on any work you need done.

Update

2009-02-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a few days, so I thought I would post an update. We are all doing well. Brad is still not working. He has been off since January and we're not sure when he will be going back. He is trying to stay positive about the situation, but you can tell that he is starting to get discouraged. I pray that at some point, there will be a turn around. He started the third year of his apprenticeship on Feb 1, but hasn't worked since then, so he hasn't even gotten to see what his raise will be. Please keep him in your thoughts.

The newlyweds are doing well. Mom is doing well. She is getting out more and seems to be feeling pretty well. Holley, Diesel and Lilly are wild, as usual. They are so ready for warm weather. Diesel lays in the sun at every opportunity!! Lilly hates birds and is destroying the bushes behind our pool in an attempt to reach birds. Holley is Holley, that's all you can say.

I hope this post finds everyone doing well!!

Brittany's Big Day

2009-02-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

I forgot to publish this message, I wrote a week or so ago. I think I wrote it on Feb. 9.

Last Saturday, my little sister got married. She and Joel started dating in 2005 after meeting at Target. They got engaged, decided to wait a little while, got engaged again, decided to wait a while again, got engaged again and finally last Saturday, got married. It was a very sad day for my dad. As some of you may know, he does not do well at weddings. By that I mean, even seeing one of us in a wedding tears him up. When I was the maid of honor in my friends wedding he cried histerically. When my other friend got married and I was a bridesmaid, he did the same. When I got married my mom said he cried for days. Now that Brittany is gone, I can only imagine what it must be like for him. The wedding was really pretty. She did a great job pulling everything together. They got married at Grace Church of the Nazarene and had the reception there, as well.

Brittany is the queen of high heels, but because she and Joel are close in height, she wore glittered Nike shox under her dress. I ended up getting to wear tennis shoes as well. Mine matched my dress! They are honeymooning in Gatlinburg and then coming home to a new job for Brittany. I wish them all the best in their new life!! Enjoy some of the wedding pics. Oh, and I

know Brad really needs a haircut in the pictures!!

I take it back...

2009-01-21T11:37:00.000-08:00

The other day I posted that we were off to a good start in this new year...I spoke too soon! Brad is off work, again. This is the second time in 1 month. I am getting more and more used to it, but it is still hard to hear and I know for him, it's got to be rough. There is just no work going right now. Luckily, he has a great boss that he adores and anytime something does come up, he calls Brad, but with the economy the way it is, no one is doing anything unless they have to. Please say a prayer for us that this is short lived, and that at some point something changes and he doesn't have to go thru this every week or so.

2009- We're off to a good start

2009-01-16T09:17:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday season. We have had a very good start to this new year. Brad went back to work on the 5th, which was such a blessing. He is back in school now, after a great Christmas break. Last year he didn't get a break, so he was thrilled to have some time away from school this year.

Holley and Diesel have not been on their best behavior lately. I think it is probably because they are bored. Wait, let me change that, I think it's because Diesel is getting bored. He has figured out how to open the gate on the fence. Originally, I blamed Lilly for opening the fence, but one day I peeked out the window to try and catch her in the act and was very surprised to see my baby boy, using his paw to pull the latch up. He stands on the gate and flips the top latch open, and then pushes his weight against the gate to open it. As soon as he gets the gate open, he and Holley bolt like lightning. We have tried to put stuff against the gate to keep him from being able to open it, but he always figures out how to move the object. So now, Brad has tied the fence together and foiled Diesel's plan. So then he decides to find other ways out of the fence, Brad foiled those plans as well. This cold weather is tough on him because he can't be outside playing like he would like to be. So when he does go out, he tries to find ways to entertain himself. I really need the warm weather back so he can play outside. Lilly has been good, she doesn't care what the weather is like, hot, cold, rain, snow, she doesn't care! Lilly is always good, as long as she has a tennis ball to chew on!

We are narrowing in on Brittany's wedding. I think it is like 3 weeks away. She had a shower at her church last week, and got lots of good stuff.

Here we go again!!

2008-12-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

First of all let me say that I wish all of you reading this the very happiest of the holidays!! I love this time of year and all the family time and festivities the season brings!! As usual, we had quite a time getting our picture taken for our Christmas cards...the little jewels were not on their best behavior!! But, with Brittany's help, we finally got them taken!!

On a slightly more sad note, Brad got laid off again! He thought it was probably going to happen this time, so we were a little more prepared emotionally!! Hopefully, like before it won't last too long. I think happening the week of Christmas was harder than anything!!

Mom is doing well. She is still very tired and now has bronchitis, but is doing well!! Brittany is getting excited about her wedding which is coming up in like 6 weeks!! Mom is trying to find something to wear, but since she doesn't feel like shopping, it makes it a little tougher to find something.

On Friday, after Christmas, Brad and I will be packing up the kids for a trip to grandmother's house we go!! We haven't been to see Brad's parents, in London, KY, in a couple of years. I think the last time we visited them, Lilly had only been with us for about a month. Holley and Diesel were no where near the size they are now, so this should be very exciting. Since Brad is not working, I think he is going to stay a couple of extra days to help his dad with some projects. I am going to come home and bring Holley and Diesel with me so that I can be back at work on Monday. A road trip with both of them, should be quite exciting!! Holley thinks she is the captain of the car and tries to ride on the center arm rest. She drools like you wouldn't believe!! Let's hope we make it home safely!!

Merry Christmas to you all!!

Mom

2008-11-21T07:52:00.000-08:00

While mom was in the hospital, her oncologist suggested that she see a vascular doctor about her legs. She has a very severe problem with swelling in her legs. I totally think that every dr she has seen since she was diagnosed with cancer has made some comment about her legs, but until the hospital, no one has done anything about them. Well, that happened last week. The vascular dr. wants her to sleep with her legs elevated above her heart and to wear compression stockings daily and ordered two tests which she had on Wednesday. The tests this week showed another blood clot in her leg.

This was not the news she wanted to hear. The dr administering the tests told mom and dad that he had no doubt that the clots in her lungs started in her legs. She is pretty worried about all of this new information. Please keep her in your prayers, again, in hopes that this all works out and she doesn't end up back in the hospital.

Things are finally getting back to normal...

2008-11-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a while since I have posted. In the last few weeks, mom has been able to stop the blood thinning shots, she is still on the pills, though. Her blood levels don't have to be checked again until the first week of December. She is still taking it easy at home. I think she is probably going to apply for disability, either through Captain D's or through Social Security. She has such a hard time getting around. She can't get up the stairs at their house, get in her car, etc without a lot of difficulty. Thank you for all the prayers that have gotten her to this point.

She was able to go with Brittany this past weekend to discuss flowers for Brittany's wedding in February. That is a big step, because she hasn't really been getting out much. Brittany was supposed to look at flowers the Saturday mom went to the hospital, so finally getting this done and having mom there was great!! Mom also went with us to choose bridesmaid dresses last week.

As for the Hortons, no big news. Brad is working a lot, which is great, because as some of you know, that could change at a moments notice. They are laying people off left and right at his company, so any work he can get is great. He has been gone the last two weekends on shutdowns. It wasn't too bad at first, but this past weekend I started to get a little bored. I know, I know, I am such a baby, but I never claimed to enjoy being by myself all the time. It's funny, when he's gone a lot, like lately, the "kids" even freak out when he's home. Lilly pouts when he actually has time to play with her. I think she feels like he's left her when he doesn't see her for several days in a row. Diesel is just Diesel, that's really all you can say about him...I wonder what circus music is playing in his head sometimes. Holley is always the crazy girl...she misses him not putting her to bed at night. They have a routine and when he's not there to participate in the routine she looks around like, hey something's missing. With everything he has going on, Brad is very excited about his new tradition he started last year. On Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, he fries turkeys. If you know him, you know that means, lawn chairs, Bud Light and a lot of Copenhagen. He loves it!!!

She's going home, finally!!

2008-10-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

My dad just called to let me know that mom is finally being released today. The doctors have not been in to see her until just a little bit ago. Finally, they have decided to let her go home. Dad feels like in a couple of hours he should have her home. The road to recovery from home will be just as difficult as she will be giving herself shots of the blood thinners, as well as the pills she's taking for the same thing. She will probably need to go have her blood checked every other day, until they get her to the level they want. As you can imagine, if you know her, she will not like having to do this. Please continue to pray that she does well and things start to look up for all of us.

News on mom

2008-10-28T08:34:00.001-07:00

We thought mom was going home today. She called me this morning and said the oncologist had been in and told her that it would be Thursday or Friday before they thought she was ready to go home. She is very down today. I guess they are having trouble getting her blood levels the way they want, so until that happens, she will stay in the hospital. They have upped her dosage of blood thinners, again. They have also taken her oxygen away, because they thought she was going home. The oncologist wants her to get up and start moving around, mom doesn't think she has a problem with movement, yet another problem.

Update

2008-10-24T08:56:00.001-07:00

Things are finally starting to come together for my mom. After almost a week, this group of doctors are finally working together to come up with a plan. The pulmanologist(sp?) and the cardiologist have decided that she has many clots on both sides of her lungs and as a result, quite a bit of stress on her heart. These things together have them worried about her moving around. They asked that her only movement be getting up for bathroom breaks. The oncologist wants her up and moving, so there is a little disagreement on that subject. They have also decided with the oncologist that she needs a blood transfusion to help get some healthy, clean blood running through her body. Her cough is better, due to more drugs, but, at least she can carry on a conversation, now Her mood has improved, greatly. She is pleased that she is seeing results. The oncologist also wants her to see a vascular surgeon about all the fluid she retains in her legs. I think they plan to let her go home either tomorrow or Sunday, if everything goes well!!

Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. You guys have helped all of us get through this!!!

Mom

2008-10-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

My mom spoke to the doctor early this evening and we finally got some news. The cardiologist has decided that finally a test has shown blood clots in both lungs. The treatment is Coumadin and Lovinox, which are blood thinners. She is very pleased to finally have a plan and a reason for all this madness. Some very nice nurse finally got tired of hearing her cough today and smuggled some new type of cough medicine to her. I have seen her twice today and have heard 2 coughs. She has had conversations with all three of us, with no coughing. This is the first time any of this has happened since before she got here!! This is truly a blessing to have finally found out some good news. Thanks for your prayers and well wishes, please keep it up. More info as we get it!!!!

Update on Mom

2008-10-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

So far, we don't have much information. She has been moved out of ICU and into a room. Her mood is the pits. They still have no idea what is causing the any of the problems she is having. One doctor will say it is her heart and then the next says maybe her lungs, etc. No one seems able to solve the problem. Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers and well wishes!! I'll post more, as I figure out more!!

ICU

2008-10-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!
I need all of you reading this to please say a prayer for my mom. I am guessing if you are reading this, that you know me and my mom. She passed out on Saturday morning and fell. My dad and sis called an ambulance and brought her to Baptist. She couldn't breathe, had high blood sugar and was not doing well at all. She is now in the ICU, here at Baptist, with a possible blood clot in her lungs and has kidneys that are not working well, at all. I am scared to death!! We are sitting here, only able to see her for like 30 minutes, every couple of hours, and I just want to know that my mom is going to be ok...it doesn't seem like there is any good news in sight, right now. They can't do a CT until her kidneys are producing more. Please keep her in your prayers!

Jumps for Jugs, part 2

2008-10-08T09:24:00.001-07:00

Well, we did it!!! I conned 30 people into joining me for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. While 30 signed up, everyone didn't quite make it out at 6:45 AM for the race. We walked 3.2 miles around downtown Nashville at 9:00 in the morning on Saturday. There were more people than I have ever seen in one place in my entire life. I never got an official total as to how many were there, but oh wow were there a lot!!

Jumps for Jugs was totally a hit!! My dad had people stop him to ask where they could get a Jumps for Jugs shirt!!! Tons of people commented on how much they loved our name and shirts!!!

My mom and dad joined us, not to walk, but to support. Komen offers a "survivor cafe" where survivors can have breakfast, etc. and see the race and race participants. Mom loved it!!!

Thanks again to everyone, whether you were there or just gave us a donation!!!

On a sad note, for those of you who have known me for a while, you probably remember the little Bichon dog, named Scooter that we had while I lived at home with mom and dad. Sadly, my dad had to have him put to sleep this week, after 14 years. As you all know, my dad loves his dogs and is not taking it too well. If you have a pet, give them an extra hug this week!!

How time flies...

2008-09-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

It continues to amaze me how quickly time flies. Brad will be 27 tomorrow and it seems like just yesterday that he was only 19 and we had only been dating a few months. Here we are now, having been through 7 years together, a 30th birthday for me, a wedding, and more other drama than I can even think about, and I love hime more and more every day. He is such a great husband and he works so hard to make things work for us. He is so tired, I know, school bores him to tears and he is spending sooooo much time and money trying to get back and forth from Ft. Campbell, that it is ridiculous (sp?). I hope everyone who has a wonderful husband or significant other, will take just a moment and tell that person that you love them!!

2008-09-01T20:15:00.001-07:00

2008-09-01T20:14:00.001-07:00

Jumps for Jugs!!

2008-08-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

So, as many of you know, I am captaining a team for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. While, this has been more challenging than I thought, it has been really cool to see people want to get involved for such a huge cause!! I had to alter the team name, it just wasn't as much fun as I wanted it to be. I do hope no one is offended by it!!

I originally needed at least 10 people to keep my team going, and for the longest time I could only get Britt, Joel, Joy, and Brad. Well, last night, I went to a pep rally for team captains. I came away really excited about the race and the good things that come from the race proceeds. This morning at work I started on everyone to join...little did I know, that the girls at work would be lined up for me to sign them up for the race. We now have 13 people on our team and a few more who promise to sign up in the days and weeks to come. I would love to have a huge team, even if I don't know everyone.

If anyone reading this is free on October 4 for just a few hours, please email me or contact me and join us. It is going to be such a great morning and we are going to have such a good time. I am having t-shirts made for our team so that we all match and I'm sure I'll come up with something outstanding in pink for us to add to our uniforms!!! Here is the link, follow the directions and choose team Jumps for Jugs!! http://komen-nashville.org/

Mom is going to join us, not walk, but at least be there, so I would love to have as many people as possible there to show our support of mom and all the other people battling like her!!!

To those who are signed up and are planning to join us, a big, huge THANK YOU!! One day this disease will be cured, and we won't have to get up early and race to raise money!!

School supplies

2008-08-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

Today I went in an office supply store and was reminded of how much I used to love "back to school time." I love notebooks, folders, pens, papers, etc. I can't believe how much cuter stuff is now than when I was in school, even college. I want to go back to school now, just so I can have all the cute stuff I saw today...

Please pick me up if you see me on the side of the road...

2008-08-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

I know that by saying this, I may come across as selfish. I do not mean to sound that way, at all. I am so thankful that Sylvan called him back to work, but this latest thing is going to cost us more than he makes as an apprentice. Today I called Brad at work to ask a question, and found out that not only is he not working where we thought he was going to be working, but he has been sent to Ft. Campbell to work. This means 4:00 am wake up times and I guess he will be driving my car, because we will never be able to pay for diesel up there and back 4 days a week. So, if any of you see me on the side of the road with my thumb out, please stop and pick me up!!

I wish there was some way for our government to realize that those of us who don't have the amount of money that some of our politicians have, can not keep going with fuel prices so sky high!!! Brad's truck takes like almost $200 to fill up. While I know that we obviously could get rid of the truck, we probably would not be able to get very much, especially in this economy and the most important fact is that, he would just as soon divorce me as sell that truck. It just seems like there has to be a way to lower the cost of fuel, for those of us who can't help but drive a lot...
I guess I will step down from my soap box now!!

Back to work he goes!!!!

2008-07-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

I have great news. Brad got a call from his boss at Sylvan and they want him back on Monday!! He is so excited!! This is so totally an answered prayer!! Thanks for all the prayers!! I know that is why he has been fortunate enough to get to go back to this company.

So, it's been a few days...

2008-07-21T17:50:00.001-07:00

So, today I got called out on the carpet because I'm not keeping up with the blog...which obviously meant I had to come home and get to work. Thanks for the motivation, fellow blogger!!

Let me start out by saying how totally way too hot it is in Nashville. I guess we knew it was coming, but WOW!!

Life for the Horton family has sadly taken a turn for the worse over the last few days. Last Wednesday before Brad left work he got laid off. Obviously, this was really bad because this company was like his other family. The company is owned by a Michigan company and with the economy being bad and work being slow, bad things happen. He was so upset when he got home. I think he felt like it was a replay of his parents leaving and him not having a job. I'm not sure who was more upset, me or him. I think I cried all afternoon on Wednesday and all day on Thursday. Everytime I got upset, he would get upset, again. I can say that he needed some time off. Since he started this program he has only taken like 2 days off and 1 of those days, I am convinced he had food poisoning. Hopefully, before too long, he will go back to work, but we don't really know.

So, if anyone needs any home repair/maintenance, please call him, he happens to be available!!! Prices are low and he can do anything, especially if it is someone else's house!!!

On a lighter note, my mom is doing really well. She is dreading the last 3 treatments, because she has heard how bad they are going to be...she has done so well, so far. She had her head shaved last Friday and seems to be doing well, all things considered. Please keep praying for her!!

On a very cute note, Diesel and Belle Belle had a meeting today. Belle Belle did this karate kid move and stood on 2 feet and made some form of noise at him, but never ran away...go figure, the biggest dog we have and the goofy cat being friends!! The other day I looked out the door to make sure Holley, Diesel, and Lilly were ok and this is what I saw...

Obviously, it had been a tough day in their world!

If you think about it, keep Brad and this work situation in your prayers. I know that God has a plan for all of us, and sometimes we don't understand and I must admit I have been in that frame of mind over the last few days, but I know that we will make it and things will work out. If it doesn't mom and dad might just have me back home along with Brad, Belle Belle, Holley, Diesel, and Lilly!!!

I hope everyone is doing well and staying cool in this hot weather!!

2008-07-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, my mom has breast cancer. My mom is a survivor, and for that I am so thankful. Others are not as lucky as my mom, and because of that I am asking each of you to join me on October 4, 2008 to "race for the cure." The race starts around 6:00 am and will end around noon. I have more details as well as fee information and donation infor. If you can't participate, please make a donation. 75% of proceeds from this race will stay in the Nashville area to aid in programs for women here. You never know when this can affect you, your mom, your sister, etc. Please contact me to get involved. I am organizing a team and would love to have you and your families join me for the walk.

This was sooo cute!!

2008-07-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

My office has been closed since last Wednesday for our summer vacation, so I have been home with the dogs quite a bit. Today, I went in to work for a couple of hours and when I came home I decided to put the dogs inside. I had to bribe them with hot dog buns to get them in the garage. So after 4 hotdog buns, I thought they would stay in the garage...wrong!!! Holley and Diesel tried to worm their way through the door before I noticed them, Lilly actually succeeded. I turned around and she was laying in the kitchen floor digging a pair of Brad's dirty jeans out of the laundry pile. When she got them where she wanted them, she laid her head down and was prepared to nap. It was so cute. She loves Brad soooo much!!

Happy 4th!!

2008-07-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it has been a little while since I posted...there has been a lot going on. We had the 4th party at our house. We started getting ready, at the last minute, of course. We went to Hendersonville and watched fireworks from the patio at Cheddars. It was so relaxing. Then it was time for the yearly July 3 trip to WalMart. That took forever. We finally got home and could not stay awake any longer. We got up early the next morning and started cleaning. It would make sense that we should work on this before the day gets here, but that is totally not us!!

Let me also say that July 3 made 2 years since Holley and Diesel came home, to be our babies!!!

Back to the 4th...finally around 2 we got in the pool...we swam, burned, drank adult beverages and had the best afternoon. My mom and dad came over and dad got to relax in the pool, which he totally needs!! My mom was in good spirits, she has chemo this week so last week she felt pretty good!! We grilled around 6 and had way too much food. I was so excited because our friends Donnie and Laura brought their daughter, Hannah, over. This was only like the second time I've seen her...she is too cute!! The fireworks started around 9 and lasted about 30

minutes. It was a fantastic show!!

When it was all said and done, the rain came in and ended a very long, but great day!!

Welcome

2008-07-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog!

I hope everyone who reads this will, if nothing else, laugh while reading! My husband, Brad, and I don't have any children, at least the human kind, yet, but we are the "parents" to 4 furr babies. This is where the laughs should begin.

Brad and I met in 2001, that is a story for another day!! Over the last few years, boy has life changed...

Our story starts in 2002, when I talked my very sweet boyfriend, who is now my wonderful husband, into adopting a cat for me, after the one I had died. He never realized 6 years later he would be living with the one animal he swore he would never like. You see, Brad was the kind of youth, who probably did very mean things to some poor cat, because he didn't like cats.

Her name is Isabella, or Belle, she is a total b****. Like me, she is very moody and only wants to be nice on her terms!! She could take or leave Brad. He usually feeds her, so sometimes she has to like him. She is black and white and has long fur. Belle and I have no problems with each other, in fact, she likes me 99% of the time.

Getting married meant that Brad had to learn to live with Belle. It also meant that Belle had to learn to live with Brad...I'm still not sure which one was tougher. I say this because the two of them share a bathroom. Belle will wad Brad's bathroom rugs up everytime she gets out of her box, this causes Brad to say mean things to her and threaten to give her to some nice dog in the neighborhood.

As if this wasn't enough excitement for our marriage, I decided against Brad's wishes that it was time for a dog. He agreed to consider it, but only if it was a blue heeler, a mean blue heeler at that. In no way did that appeal to me. I looked for a heeler, but found them to be very well thought of by owners and breeders, financially. So I decided to go to the humane society and see what they had. The first thing I saw was a little brown fuzzy puppy. This little fellow was in total filth and smelled just as bad. Nevertheless, I got him out and played with him, he was so cute. A couple days later I conned Brad into visiting the stinky little dog. He thought he was cute but too furry and didn't want him. So I decided to look around. While I was at the humane society the second time, the furry, stinky dog had gotten a cellmate, it was a funny looking black and brown dog that looked like a funny mixture between a Rottweiler and a Dachsund. For some reason, I decided I liked her, Brad did not, because she was so odd looking.

A few days later, Brad and I got in an argument. The next day I went and adopted the funny looking little dog, who is now, Holley. When I broke the news to Brad, he took it very well, and has loved her ever since, even getting to choose her name. While we were visiting Holley, the day before we brought her home, the stinky, furry dog caught Brad's eye. He was by himself and no one was paying any attention to him. Brad asked if we could have him, too. So is the story of how Diesel came to be number 3.

Several months later, while looking to see what supplies the humane society needed, I looked to see what dogs they had for adoption. There she was, a female blue heeler. She was very skinny and had a terrible eye infection, but was the prettiest dog I have ever seen. Obviously, I had to see her in person. I took supplies to the shelter and wanted to see her. Another couple was walking her around. I stopped and talked to them and told them terrible things about the breed, which made them re-think her as their choice. I told the manager I would be back. After several hard fought arguments, I convinced Brad to go see her. He did, and she became our Lilly and our #4.