Facts

* Time flies when you are having fun.

* My niece knows I am terrible at following directions.

* I had the pleasure of babysitting the kids my last night (Wednesday) in DC.

* We are all now back in Anderson, SC.

* It's still an eight hour drive.

* Mom and Dad's house passed inspection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* That same day they celebrated their 40th anniversary.

* I love my bed.

* It's finally raining here.

* My hair does terrible in the rain.  

* I don't need to wear my scarf .

* My dog lost weight while I was gone!

* Grandparents have special privileges with their grand kids.

* Grand kids have different rules than their mom and aunt did growing up!

* I'm still coughing.

* I still have cancer.

More later...

 

 

Merry Christmas!

My sister told the kids no one was to be downstairs before 7:00 am to open presents....and if someone was, they had to start coffee and make breakfast. About 6:58 am Sarah was coming unglued.  She was banging on my door to wake up.  She didn't know I had been awake since about 6:15 am.  Yes, the festivities started early, but who can complain!  Seeing the kids faces after unwrapping each surprise was so absolutely amazing and worth waiting for.  Yes, I will load pictures...eventually.

For those of you that know me well, and for those of you that have read the "About Me" section on the left hand side of my entries.  This will excite you.  Probably not nearly as much as me...but here goes.  My sister and brother in law are taking me to go whale watching!!!!!!!!!!!!  Oh my goodness, you have no clue how excited I was when I opened that envelope.  Yep, I cried.  I assure you, for most of the day I've been singing "I'm going whale watching.  I'm going whale watching"!  I am fascinated by the big ole creatures.  Did I say I was thrilled about this??  Ha ha.

I hope Christmas brought you as much joy as it did for me.  I hope you've counted your blessings and taken the time to be grateful for family, friends, a home cooked meal, a place to rest your head and of course the belief in miracles.  Merry Christmas!!!!

I sure do love y'all.

Please Say Prayers For:

Nathan ~ continuing to do chemo and fight the battle. *Ms Dawn *Cathy's dad, Bill ~ he is battling ALS and her mom, Pam too. *Ms Bobby ~ she is being treated with radiation. * Mr. Russo ~ continuing to win the battle. *Ms Pammy ~ recovering from surgery and winning the battle. *Cindy ~ she's in remission!! *Tammy she's in remission!!  *Momma Joyce ~ she's been diagnosed with skin cancer. *Ms Margie ~ she is winning her battle with breast cancer.  *Krissy's husband, John who continues to win the battle. *Trish ~ she is continuing to win her battle with breast cancer. *Sugar ~ she is continuing to win her battle with cancer. *Mr. Carey and his wife, Irene ~ They are beginning a new battle, his cancer has spread. *Jay Carey and his family. He is in Iraq fighting the war.*Frances and her son, Matthew.  He is in Afghanistan.

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title, MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

I Win!!!!

Check this out.....
Today is the six year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis.  Ha!!  Those silly doctors said I wouldn't make it another two years!! You don't actually doubt the miracles of God, do you????

A Bunch O' Stuff

There's nothing like calling your Momma, who you actually miss to hear her say "I can't talk...we took a DVD from your room and we're watching The Departed"!!!!!  What is that about???  Helllllooooooooo remember me... your "little one"??  Your youngest born???  Hmph!!!

I sat in a plush leather chair yesterday night as I enjoyed dinner and a drink with Michelle at Hamburger Hamlet.  Let me explain about the drink.  Dang it...I can't remember what it was called.  What I can remember, is that after we both drank half the entire restaurant was suddenly extremely warm.  OK, that's a lie.  It was hot.  Does that mean the alcohol was "working"??  I know that answer!!!!  It's sort of funny, sometimes you never realize how much you miss the company of a friend, until you see them again.  I was happy to be sharing time with her, and sad I had not planned it sooner.

I am holding down the Browning household tonight while Pamela and Dave are hanging out with some old friends.   I am happy to "babysit".  Though I don't really like calling it that.  It's a pleasure to have the alone time with the kids....and I got to blow dry hair for both the girls tonight!  I'm blessed! 

Ellie is wearing a night shirt that says "I Make My Own Rules".  At dinner, when she was sharing with everyone what it said...she followed it with "Just like you Aunt Rene".  Now ya know that made me smile! :)

Momma Joyce (Stephen's mother) had successful surgery.  The doctor's said they got all the skin cancer from both sites and there were no areas surrounding with disease.  Phew...Thank God.

A huge CONGRATS to FC (my cousin Rachel) she graduated from Penn State today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holiday time is difficult if you've recently "lost" a loved one or if you  are continuing to grieve the loss of someone.  If you have a friend, colleague or neighbor that is grieving or is alone...please, please reach out to them.  Not just for now, but until they are holding firmly to your hand and have their feet a bit more grounded.  Feeling hopeless and empty is no way for anyone to live! With that said, please say prayers for the Vasquez and Baker families.  Clem will be missed terribly.

Count your blessings tonight and say some grateful's.  Remember life is precious and so are those who surround you.  Don't forget people make mistakes, and forgiveness goes a very long way.  Laugh at yourself.  Eat dessert even when your jeans feel like they are going to bust at the seams and don't forget to call your Mom and Dad simply to say I love you.

Good night my friends. I love y'all.

Please Say Prayers For:

Nathan ~ continuing to do chemo and fight the battle. *Ms Dawn *Cathy's dad, Bill ~ he is battling ALS and her mom, Pam too. *Ms Bobby ~ she is being treated with radiation. * Mr. Russo ~ continuing to win the battle. *Ms Pammy ~ recovering from surgery and winning the battle. *Cindy ~ she's in remission!! *Tammy she's in remission!!  *Momma Joyce ~ she's been diagnosed with skin cancer. *Ms Margie ~ she is winning her battle with breast cancer.  *Krissy's husband, John who continues to win the battle. *Trish ~ she is continuing to win her battle with breast cancer. *Sugar ~ she is continuing to win her battle with cancer. *Mr. Carey and his wife, Irene ~ They are beginning a new battle, his cancer has spread. *Jay Carey and his family. He is in Iraq fighting the war.*Frances and her son, Matthew.  He is in Afghanistan.

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title, MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

Flicking Boogers

DISCLAIMER: I did not title this entry, nor will I explain it!!!

Have you ever tried to explain the definition of "rubber necking" to a kid??  Just curious.  Ha ha!!

I had forgotten how unbelievably pleasant people (please read this knowing my sarcasm) are in Mo County.  Especially, during the holiday season.  Good golly Miss Molly.  I'm certainly not in South Carolina!!  I actually had a woman bang on the windshield of my car, while I was in a parking space.  She asked me to move my vehicle, so she could fit into her car with all her packages.  Now, I wasn't opposed to moving my car.  However, I was in between the lines...and damn, couldn't she have knocked on my window and asked nicely??!!!  Apparently, I didn't move quickly enough for her.  She sort of threw her door open dramatically and climbed into her car as if she was suffocating.  I couldn't help but laugh....oh and I wished her a Merry Christmas of course!

I've finished all my shopping and decided to start wrapping gifts today.  Ellie and I were alone when I started.  My sister should have warned me though....Ellie is going to tell all before Christmas gets here!  She's worse at keeping secrets, than I am!  You can see, it is itching inside of her to tell everyone what their getting from Aunt Rene. 

Bowling hasn't been going well for the beau.  He's thinking about hanging those bowling shoes up.  His behavior is actually very comical when he isn't doing well. I have to cover my face, so he doesn't see me chuckling.  I'm thankful ( as he is too) that the league is off for the next three weeks.  I think the break is going to be good for him.

Sunday it was unbelievably cold and windy. I met The Browning Five and Tita and Uncle Al at Tyson's Corner for a late lunch and a movie.  OK, it was such a late lunch....ummmmmm I missedit!  Ha ha.  We saw Alvin and The Chipmunk's. It provided all the kids with great laughs...and that's so contagious, I couldn't help but laugh too.

Did I mention that my haircut looks great??!! Even though, I was asked to grow it out long...seriously I couldn't stand it anymore and butchered the back again.  I wasn't made for long hair.  I don't have that kind of patience. Sorry Stephen!!  :)

Other Stuff:
Stephen and I had Italian subs from Twinbrook deli, again.
I've been given the privilege of blow drying Sarah's beautiful long hair after shower time.
Daniel gave me the biggest hug tonight and I couldn't help but think...life doesn't get any better.
Mom and Dad are still waiting for the new house to pass inspection.
I've been wearing a coat and scarf!!!
I still have a nasty cough.
Momma Joyce is having surgery for skin cancer.
Dinner with Michelle and Michael on Friday.
Babysitting the kids on Saturday.
The anniversary of my cancer diagnosis is just around the corner!!

Please Say Prayers For:

Nathan ~ continuing to do chemo and fight the battle. *Ms Dawn *Cathy's dad, Bill ~ he is battling ALS and her mom, Pam too. *Ms Bobby ~ she is being treated with radiation. * Mr. Russo ~ continuing to win the battle. *Ms Pammy ~ recovering from surgery and winning the battle. *Cindy ~ she's in remission!! *Tammy she's in remission!!  *Momma Joyce ~ she's been diagnosed with skin cancer. *Ms <spanclass="correction" id="">Margie</spanclass="correction"> ~ she is winning her battle with breast cancer.  *Krissy's husband, John who continues to win the battle. *Trish ~ she is continuing to win her battle with breast cancer. *Sugar ~ she is continuing to win her battle with cancer. *Mr. Carey and his wife, Irene ~ They are beginning a new battle, his cancer has spread. *Jay Carey and his family. He is in Iraq fighting the war.*Frances and her son, Matthew.  He is in Afghanistan.

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title, MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

Still Not Going Anywhere...

We played a board game tonight at the Browning's house, instead of watching a movie for family night.  Trust me when I tell you...this board game only proved (yet again) God isn't ready to take me "home".

http://thesurvivormovie.com

Check out that link please.  Let me know what you think.

Thanks for coming back here and welcome to all the newcomers and "lurkers" for your comments and prayers.  Sure do love y'all.

Hair cut tomorrow.  Bedtime now.

**** Special prayers for my Momma who had an allergic reaction to "something" and is recovering from a billion hives and some very potent medicine.  WE LOVE YOU LOLA!!!

Please Say Prayers For:

Nathan ~ continuing to do chemo and fight the battle. *Ms Dawn *Cathy's dad, Bill ~ he is battling ALS and her mom, Pam too. *Ms Bobby ~ she is being treated with radiation. * Mr. Russo ~ continuing to win the battle. *Ms Pammy ~ recovering from surgery and winning the battle. *Cindy ~ she's in remission!! *Tammy she's in remission!!  *Momma Joyce ~ she's been diagnosed with skin cancer. *Ms Margie ~ she is winning her battle with breast cancer.  *Krissy's husband, John who continues to win the battle. *Trish ~ she is continuing to win her battle with breast cancer. *Sugar ~ she is continuing to win her battle with cancer. *Mr. Carey and his wife, Irene ~ They are beginning a new battle, his cancer has spread. *Jay Carey and his family. He is in Iraq fighting the war.*Frances and her son, Matthew.  He is in Afghanistan.

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title, MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

Sometimes...

you try BUT you can't seem to forget you have the " C word".  You want to continue to look everyone in the eyes brave and strong.  However, at this moment you couldn't even "fake it".  So, you feel sad, even bitter...wondering for maybe the 100th time, why me...and especially why now.  Then you lay your head on the pillow and try to sleep, with no such luck.  The thoughts are too much.  Your eyes stay open and you notice the clock. It says 3:18 am.  You think to yourself...I need to fall asleep but you know you can't and for the moment won't.  You think of people you haven't spoken to and maybe should and all those who love you dearly while grabbing tissues curious to how many it will take to wipe all the tears and the runny nose.  You want to ask God questions and maybe for a little mercy, when you actually know quite well all the answers you need are some where behind the words you've just written. So, you stop crying. You finish typing your words, knowing all you endure is for a reason and then you continue sharing your inspiration to walk forward and in the moment.

I love y'all. Good night...ummmm morning.

My Nieces And Nephew

Sharing pictures of the kids.
Sarah is 10. (On the horse)
Daniel is 8. (Parallel Bars)
Ellie is 5. (Soccer Trophy)

Let The Festivities Begin!

Oh joy!  I love when the Christmas festivities begin! The Browning Christmas tree went up today...and as I type, the kids are hanging ornaments.  The greatest part about the hanging of the ornaments is listening to Pamela tell the story behind each one.  Who it is from, where it is from, or who made it and at what age.  Even if the kids remember the "stories", they eagerly await to hear my sister tell them again.  We all have favorites, and some not so (Shhhhh I didn't say that). Regardless, we all love this "event". I just overheard the call for eggnog!  We enjoy that almost as much!!!

The weekend wasn't so busy.  Though it was cold.  When I tried to leave the house without a coat and scarf....my sister reminded me that I don't have complaining rights if I don't take care of myself.  So, I wore my coat and stuffed my scarf in my purse.  :)  I'm about the worst at following doctor's orders!!

No bowling on Sunday with the man.  He was having some back pain issues and I was tossing cookies.  I'm not sure what from...ohhhh that's right I have cancer.  :)  He handled it much better than I thought...and well I cried like I normally do.

Aunt Barb bought me flannel jammies, an electric blankie and some cool shoes yesterday.  She also made some baked ziti that we all enjoyed. We finished the night watching another gut wrenching Extreme Home Makeovers.  With us ladies....not a dry eye.  

Nativity scenes are put out, ornaments are up and the egg nog is yummy.  Life is good.

Please go to the following web site and check out my friend, Nathan's journal. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nathanormsby He's such an inspiration and a brave little guy!  We can all learn a little something from his endurance, and love for life.

Please Say Prayers For:

Nathan ~ continuing to do chemo and fight the battle. *Ms Dawn *Cathy's dad, Bill ~ he is battling ALS and her mom, Pam too. *Ms Bobby ~ she is being treated with radiation. * Mr. Russo ~ continuing to win the battle. *Ms Pammy ~ recovering from surgery and winning the battle. *Cindy ~ she's in remission!! *Tammy she's in remission!!  *Momma Joyce ~ she's been diagnosed with skin cancer. *Ms Margie ~ she is winning her battle with breast cancer.  *Krissy's husband, John who continues to win the battle. *Trish ~ she is continuing to win her battle with breast cancer. *Sugar ~ she is continuing to win her battle with cancer. *Jay Carey and his family. He is in Iraq fighting the war.*Frances and her son, Matthew.  He is in Afghanistan.

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title, MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

     

Good Thoughts For The Day

Happy Friday!  Here are some thoughts to start off your weekend!  Thanks Chris!

1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. No lines at the supermarket .
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
15. The beach.
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they love you.
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS.
24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
26. Your first kiss.
27. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
28. Playing with a new puppy.
29. Having someone play with your hair.
30. Sweet dreams.
31. Hot chocolate.
32. Road trips with friends.
33. Swinging on swings.
34. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
35. Making chocolate chip cookies.
36. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
37. Holding hands with someone you care about.
38. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
39. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
40. Watching the sunrise.
41. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
42. Knowing that somebody misses you.
43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
44. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

Please Say Prayers For:

Nathan ~ continuing to do chemo and fight the battle. *Ms Dawn *Cathy's dad, Bill ~ he is battling ALS and her mom, Pam too. *Ms Bobby ~ she is being treated with radiation. * Mr. Russo ~ continuing to win the battle. *Ms Pammy ~ recovering from surgery and winning the battle. *Cindy ~ she's in remission!! *Tammy she's in remission!!  *Momma Joyce ~ she's cancer free. *Ms Margie ~ she is winning her battle with breast cancer.  *Krissy's husband, John who continues to win the battle. *Trish ~ she is continuing to win her battle with breast cancer. *Sugar ~ she is continuing to win her battle with cancer. *Jay Carey and his family. He is in Iraq fighting the war.*Frances and her son, Matthew.  He is in Afghanistan.

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title, MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!

Rewind

Yes, I'm alive. Someone would have notified you if I had fallen and couldn't get up!! :)

I'll rewind and then catch y'all up to speed. Saturday, Daniel placed third all around in his gymnastics meet.  Now, this doesn't mean he placed third on each apparatus...he actually scored third highest out of all the boys he competed against.   To say I was a proud Aunt doesn't actually cut it. I thought I will going to cry myself silly.

Sunday, before going to the stables to see Sarah ride, Stephen and I had an early breakfast and bowling date.  He didn't bowl very well (I didn't say that though!!) and I wasn't feeling so well.  However, it didn't stop us...and Stephen even got to see Mom and Dad for a short amount of time.

Sarah placed fifth in jumping with her "sassy" horse...said exactly the way she told me.  She proudly showed me her big pink ribbon.  If you could have seen how beautiful she looked and rode that horse....oh my I so have bragging rights!!!

Monday, Stephen and I packed up and ran away for a couple days.  I still had (and have) that nasty cough so we just relaxed.   Tuesday, we did a bit of running around and of course we couldn't miss his league bowling that night.  He did his average...about 206 per game.  As always, I felt proud...and he was too hard on himself.  Wednesday, we drove back to DC during the snow fall.  Ohhhh how I don't miss the cold and snow living in South Carolina!!!!!!  Neither of us really possess the patience for the traffic that the snow causes...but we both love the "buggy game" and so that's how we spent the slow drive back. 

Today, the Browning Five played in the snow. Georgia, too! There is a very small snowman in the front yard wearing a very warm scarf.  I should take lessons and wear one too!

I spoke to Jules tonight.  There was a Girl Scout meeting, that I obviously missed.  I got all choked up when the girls yelled hello to me, and one in particular who told me it was sad that I wouldn't see all the Christmas stuff they were making.  :(  I sure do love those girlies!  Ohhh and you too Julie!!  xoxoxoxoxox

Time for bed and coughing up this crap in my lungs.  Did anyone invent a cure for cancer yet?  Lordie my lungs can't even handle a cold anymore!
Don't forget to count your blessings and your grateful's too!  I love y'all!!

GRATEFUL'S:
* Hot tea
* Warm blankets
* Hearing "Aunt Rene"
* Old Friends
* Another day

Please Say Prayers For:

Nathan ~ continuing to do chemo and fight the battle. *For Dawn *Cathy's dad, Bill ~ he is battling ALS and her mom, Pam too. *Ms Bobby ~ she is being treated with radiation. * Mr. Russo ~ continuing to win the battle. *Ms Pammy ~ recovering from surgery and winning the battle. *Cindy ~ she's in remission!! *Tammy she's in remission!!  *Momma Joyce ~ she's cancer free. *Ms Margie ~ she is winning her battle with breast cancer.  *Krissy's husband, John who continues to win the battle. *Trish ~ she is continuing to win her battle with breast cancer. *Sugar ~ she is continuing to win her battle with cancer. *Jay Carey and his family. He is in Iraq fighting the war.*Frances and her son, Matthew.  He is in Afghanistan.

If this is your first time reading my journal, PLEASE go back to my first entry on 11-15-06 to read about the title, MEET ME AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE!! Thanks!