Happy Valentine's Day!

No photos to share today. I know, this blog is getting so dull! Gotta work on that soon. So glad to have another Valentine's Day to share with my husband. Especially after his recent heart bypass surgery. We didn't even know he was 'sick' so the bypass caught us both totally off guard. I am so grateful for the way things worked out and we are both blessed to have him on the road to recovery. I thank God every single day for the gift of each day we're given to share with those we love. That's what Valentine's Day means to me and I try to live it every day.

We didn't get any of the snow that some in MS got this past Friday. Suits me fine. I don't like the icy aftermath of that snow. Yes, it's gorgeous at first and you can get some really cool pictures. Like Elizabeth at Last Door Down the Hall. She has some beautiful shots of snow in North Carolina. Go check them out. She's a fantastic photographer as well as a gifted mixed-media artist. Great person too.

Nelson and I went to visit the grandkids in Cleveland yesterday and we had a great time. Sam is growing like a weed and so funny. He adores his sister, Sara, and they get along so well. At least while we were there. I guess Sam's still too small for him to get on Sara's nerves too badly yet. That day will come though, no doubt about that. Nicole, their Mom, is such a great mother. I am so proud and filled with love for all our children, whether they're technically my step-children or the ones I carried in my own body. That's another thing I'm thankful for this Valentine's Day.  Nelson and I have shared our children, and now their children without reservation. There's no greater gift to give your life partner than to share ALL of your loves and passions.

Now that Nelson's on the road to recovery it seems that I've come down with a cold/flu or something that's got me sneezing, coughing and generally feeling crappy. It started Saturday morning as soon as I got out of bed. Before I even got my houseshoes on I was sneezing. Those multiple sneezes that come out of nowhere. The ones that have our skittish dog running for cover. Then I heard Nelson doing the same thing. Oh No! Not him too.  I cannot imagine how it feels to sneeze those violent sneezes when your breastbone was cut apart and literally wired back together less than 3 weeks ago. He says it doesn't hurt. It hurts me just to think about it. Anyways, he and I both are still sneezing but now I've started coughing as well. Seems I catch every blooming bug that goes around lately.

I am blogging this at the optimum stretch of the Day Quil tablets working. I thought that'd be a good time to update this blog and now I'm off to just read my list of blogs I follow. I hope all of you have a great week and don't catch any of the stomach virus or flu bugs floating around. Tell your Valentines you love them and God Bless You!

And now we're back home...again!

Had a bit of trouble with an erratic heartbeat so Nelson had to go back into the hospital the same day we came home (the 1st time). We've been back home about a week and a half now and all is going relatively well. Still some problems with medications to work out but he's doing very well overall. Advice for anyone who faces heart bypass surgery or helping care for someone who has the surgery: this surgery affects your entire body and mind, not just your heart. I don't know how it does it but it does.

I am back working and he's recuperating at home for a few more weeks. I wish I could be with him 24/7 but that's just not feasible for us. He wouldn't want it anyway. He's very self-sufficient and does not want to be fussed over. Not the ideal patient but we've worked out a system that works. I don't smother him and he tries to show his appreciation for what we do for him.

I'm looking forward to life returning to normal and getting back to my regular blogging/visiting schedule. I'm having trouble focusing on anything other than Nelson's recovery at this point. He doesn't sleep well which affects my sleep too.

Enough rambling for tonight; thanks to everyone for all the prayers and good wishes. They really do mean so much to us. Have a great week and God Bless You!

Back home...again!

A quick pop-in to post the latest on Nelson's recovery from heart bypass surgery. We came home this past Saturday. After only 4 or 5 hours, his heart rate accelerated and I took him to our local emergency room. His heart rate registered at 160 beats per minute. They ended up taking him back to Oxford by ambulance. He stayed until today and is now doing very well. His leg with the graft incisions is swollen but other than that, he feels good.

It's been a wild couple of weeks and on top of Nelson's health crisis, my youngest son joined the Air Force. He's been talking about it for awhile but I really figured he'd talk himself out of it. He didn't and actually signed and took the pledge yesterday (Monday). I am so proud of him and for him; I have always believed that a  military career is a wonderful choice for a young man or woman. So now I have a Marine and an Airman in my list of achievements :-) I guess I'm a 'double military Mom' now haha

I'll be back blogging regularly soon. Hopefully I'll have some art to show too. It feels like I haven't touched my craft room in ages.

Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes. Nelson and I are so incredibly blessed to have family and friends who care enough to remember us in their prayers. We've been showered with love and offers of help from all around us. It's a humbling experience to know we've had an impact on so many lives. And in such a positive way.

God Bless You and have a wonderful week!!