EMILY'S BELLA

A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM

2012-01-26T13:47:00.000-08:00

(A friend sent this to me in an e-mail.)

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, I purchased a week of personal training at the local health club.
Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.
I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.
Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.
________________________________
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god-- with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!
Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines... I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!
Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!
________________________________
TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.
_______________________________
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.
Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members.. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.
My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other crap too.
_______________________________
THURSDAY:
Butt hole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late-- it took me that long to tie my shoes.
He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny witch to find me.
Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine-- which I sank.
_________________________________
FRIDAY:
I hate that jackass Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic, little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.
Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the darn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.
The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
________________________________
SATURDAY:
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel..
________________________________
SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun-- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

Love, Bella

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM!!

2011-12-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

Saturday Night Phone Call

2011-11-28T13:42:00.001-08:00

This is a picture of my husband. He fought in Vietnam.
Several years ago, we tried to find his friends that he was in Vietnam with. We had no luck.

On Saturday our phone rings. My husband answers it and the man on the other end asks if this is Charles Jeffers and of course my husband said yes and then the man asks were you in Vietnam in 1968-1969 and again his answer was yes and then the man said this is Carl and my husband said Carl Spain and the man said yes.

After 42, 43 years, my husband got to talk to a good friend that served in Vietnam with him. He was on cloud 9 the rest of the night. It was a good night!!

Love, Bella

LOVE

2011-11-16T07:41:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS LOVE - paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of LOVE will endure.

This was taken from a blog that I read - http://arlingtonmama.blogspot.com/

Love, Bella

Poppa & "Mud"

2011-10-03T08:33:00.001-07:00

(details coming)

Driver's License Written Test

2011-09-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

My baby is growing up!!
Well, my baby finally did it. She officially passed the written portion of the Arkansas Driver's License test today.

Now, there will be thirty (30) days of "can I drive" or "let me drive!!"

Love Bella

Pictures I've Seen on Facebook

2011-09-30T07:02:00.001-07:00

THE HOPE CENTER UGANDA

2011-09-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

If anyone could help out, that would be sweet!!

They are trying to raise money for a vehicle to help get the children to and from doctor visits.

Love Bella

This is where you will find there blog:
http://hopecenteruganda.blogspot.com/

This is the post about the vehicle needed:
New Vehicle Fund Raiser!

We have been presented with an opportunity to purchase a vehicle that would be such an incredible blessing to this ministry, to our family, and to everyone who visits. It is a 14 passenger, diesel, 4x4, and it would be able to do the village work we are feeling so called to do.

Please share this post with everyone you know. We do not have the funds to purchase this vehicle and are asking your help, any donation would help whether is was 5,10,20 or 30 dollars. Our current vehicle is not large enough for everyone. I had to take the baby's to the Doctors for a check-up couple days ago and made 2 trips to get them all there and back.

Here are a couple pictures of it.

Prayer Warriors Please pray for us!!!

BLessings to all!
Angie

MUD casting

2011-09-19T07:19:00.001-07:00

Morgan
Poppa
Bella

This is what we did on Saturday. We went to a "MUD" casting, that's the name of a movie coming out in 2013, and being filmed in Arkansas. Our daughter had applied, and got called for a "meet and greet," so off we went. After everyone showed up, come to find out they were looking for, on this particular day, "certain looks" which was a natural blonde, from 5'1" to 5'4" tall and no more than 120 pounds, only a hand full of girls fit that description. And they were looking for a teenage boy. When everyone was let go, they were told just because they didn't get picked that day did not mean they would not be called to be extras, because they were going to need a lot of teenagers for the movie, I guess that's why they wanted everyone there, so they could look at you!!

The Casting Director, Sarah, told her husband, Byron, to get an application and get Poppa to fill it out. We were kind of shocked, so I asked why him, and he said that his wife who is the casting director said that he has an interesting face and she wanted him to fill out an application. So, when they found out that we had Harleys and that I ride too, they wanted me to fill out one also, because there is going to be a part in the movie with motorcycles and they are going to try to stick with just Harleys.

So, to sum it up, we could all end up being extras in the movie, of course, if we have the "look!"

We also got to meet the director, Jeff Nichols!! I forgot to ask could we take a picture with him. But here's a photo I found on the internet of him!!

Jeff Nichols, Director

Love, Bella

Family

2011-09-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my baby daughter, Morgan Ann, myself, my Aunt Jimmye (my Mom's sister), my first granddaughter, Emily Rhyse, and my oldest daughter, Connie Marie (Emily Rhyse's mommy).

I love these people more than I could ever explain. I am so thankful that my Aunt still comes to Arkansas to visit.

Love,
Bella

9/11/2011 & Razorbacks

2011-09-12T10:49:00.001-07:00

I thought it was pretty awesome that the ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS did a 9/11 tribute!!

Love,
Bella

DOLLY PARTON

2011-07-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

My wonderful husband is taking me to see Dolly Parton in October. I have always wanted to see her in person. I've read her book and I just think she is amazing. Saw her interview on "The Tonight Show" the other day and it was hilarious, apparently in the early 80s in California she entered a Dolly Parton look-a-like contest and she didn't even place. I can't wait for the concert!!

Love, Bella

Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS - June 30 - July 3, 2011

2011-07-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

Poppa, statue of Roy Acuff & Minnie Pearl, and Bella at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN

Well, we are back from our "mini" vacation and we had a blast. On Thursday, we drove to Nashville, TN and got there about mid-afternoon. Found the hotel, and when we walked up to the office door there was a piece of steel on the door that was used to lock it - I touched it and told Poppa that this wasn't looking too good. Note to self - always go with your first instinct, we should have canceled reservation and left. First, the hotel looked like it was in the ghetto and secondly, it was nasty on the outside and the office didn't look much better. We got checked in and went to the room. The first room was on the side of the interstate and you could hear the traffic even with the door shut, so we asked for a different room. The smell was like a strong scented disinfectant and I had trouble breathing. We left and went in search of food. And, as we were sitting at the restaurant, Caney Fork, we were looking at the hotels near by and decided that was more of an area where we wanted/needed to be. So, after we finished eating, we located a new room and went to retrieve our belongings and check out of the ghetto hotel before dark. We arrived at the newly found hotel, the Fiddler's Inn!!

Poppa & Bella at Caney Fork Restaurant in Nashville, TN

On Friday, we ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel, which was near the hotel. Then we headed downtown to the Ryman Auditorium. We got our tickets for the tour, even received a military discount, sweet!! It was awesome!! After the tour, we walked up one side of Main Street and back down the other side, until I couldn't walk anymore. We headed back over by the hotel to eat a late lunch at Caney Fork, and then headed to the hotel to rest a little before heading to the Grand Ole Opry.

Poppa & Bella at the Grand Ole Opry (before the show)

Poppa & Bella at the Grand Ole Opry (after the show)

At the Grand Ole Opry, we saw the JaneDear Girls, The Isaacs, The White Family, Bill Anderson, Little Jimmy Dickens, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Rodney Atkins, Darius Rucker!! It was much awesomeness!!

Little Jimmy Dickens (90 years old)

Rodney Atkins (was not on the list to be there-how awesome- he sang "Farmers Daughter")

Ricky Skaggs

Darius Rucker (he sang "Alright")

Marty Stuart

On Saturday morning, we checked out of the Fiddler's Inn and had a really nice chat with a lady that worked in the gift shop at the hotel, Shirley aka The Colonel (75 yrs. old)!! Shirley was a wealth of information and we wished we had met her when we first got to Nashville instead of when we were leaving. We left the hotel and headed for the Lane Motor Museum, we were there for a couple of hours, it was very interesting.

Bella & her next car (haha!!)

Poppa & race car

Car that can be driven from either direction!!

Off to locate Highway 100 to find the entrance to the Natchez Trace Parkway. After a misdirection on my part, we found Highway 100 and the entrance to the Trace. On the first leg of the Trace, we found a spot that had a Confederate Gravesite, with 13 unknown soldiers. I was surprised to find 13 individual grave markers at this site, I thought it would just be one marker stating that there were 13 unknown Confederate soldiers buried there. On our map, it showed as "Confederate Gravesites and Old Trace," but on the actual sign on the Trace it only said "Old Trace" and we almost did not stop, we actually passed it up, but decided to turn around and investigate and we were so glad we did. This spot is about 10 miles North of Tupelo. We stopped for the night in Tupelo.

Bella at entrance of the Natchez Trace off Highway 100 just outside of Nashville, TN

Poppa at entrance of the Natchez Trace off Highway 100 just outside of Nashville, TN

Tombstone of an Unknown Confederate Soldier (located about 10 miles North of Tupelo, MS on the Natchez Trace)

All 13 Tombstones of the Unknown Confederate Soldiers (located about 10 miles North of Tupelo, MS on the Natchez Trace)

Sunday morning we headed out again and on this second and last leg of the Trace, the most interesting spot and I am so glad we were able to locate it, was the spot that I had only heard my Dad refer to as "The Overlook" and he use to stop there and let us play in the water when we were kids. The spot is actually called the "Reservoir Overlook" and it was packed with boaters - I was really surprised. All those years ago, when we would be at the Overlook, we would be the only ones there. I think we spent the most time at this spot, it sure brought back a flood of memories.

Reservoir Overlook

Overlook swamped by boats

Most beautiful spot at the Overlook

Bella & Poppa at the Overlook

We got to Natchez, Mississippi and the end of the Trace about mid-afternoon and instead of spending the night there as was previously planned, we headed home, stopped in Monroe, Louisiana for supper and got home around 7:30 p.m. Not to shabby!!

Poppa

Bella

Poppa

Bella

We really enjoyed the whole weekend!!

Love,
Bella

My Husband

2011-06-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

My husband told me yesterday and again today that he is glad that I am his!! Wow!! I'm speechless!!

Love,
Bella

VACATION TIME

2011-06-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year, well not really because any time of year to me is a good vacation time, but anyway, this is where I will be on July 1, 2011, with my honey!! We have tickets to see Darius Rucker and Marty Stuart, and others. They have not yet posted the full list of who will be there on that day, but I am excited!!

Then we will be taking the Natchez Trace from Nashville, Tennessee all the way down to Natchez, Mississippi. I have wanted to do this for a long time and we had actually planned to ride the Trace on the motorcycles, but it is way too hot to put on a helmet and we didn't want to put the trip off, so we will be going in the truck - the one with air conditioning, the motorcycles don't have air conditioning!! Looking foward to seeing things/scenery like these:

Where would you like to go this summer? Wherever you go, just have fun and be safe!!

Love, Bella

DREAM

2011-06-08T10:41:00.001-07:00

It has been a dream of mine and my husband's for a long time now, for me to be able to retire and us hit the road traveling around our great United States. I have no retirement in my job, so that's not a reason to stay and work toward any particular point in time. My husband is already retired and has been for years, so he tells me he is free to go when I get ready. I have been ready for a long time, but just kept feeling the need to work. Well, at least until our baby daughter graduated from high school. That has occurred now, so now I really have no excuse. Although, I would like to have some money saved before we hit the road.

I am looking at working for only another 6 months to a year and then I am out of here, hopefully!!

I want to see the wonders of our great nation, in person, not in someone else's photos.

Love,
Bella

Family

2011-06-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Tom, Emily Rhyse, Diesel Man, Connie, Mila & Morgan

In our family, our animals have always been considered as family. I know, weird. Saturday, one of our family members, Diesel Man, went on to live with Jesus. So glad you are now healed big buddy and now you know what it is to run with the big dogs!! You are beautiful Diesel Man, try not to slobber too much on Jesus!!

Love, Bella

Blah, Blah, Blah

2011-06-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel at the moment!! Hope it changes quickly!!

Love, Bella

SENIOR 2011

2011-05-24T08:37:00.001-07:00

My baby did it!! She graduated on Thursday, May 19, 2011!!

Love, Bella

ps: My oldest baby took the photo you see above!!

ZUMBA - California Style

2011-03-28T08:05:00.001-07:00

Angela - we had to have a pass to get into Zumba class, I was #43!!
Morgan was #44
Morgan, Janelle Kempton, Angela

Connie, Morgan and I took a Zumba class at 24 Hour Fitness in Temecula, California, on Friday, March 25, 2011. We had a blast!! The Zumba instructor that we had was filling in for the regular instructor. Janelle told us that she had lost 110 lbs. at that gym and keeps it off doing Zumba!! She was really sweet and smiled the whole time she was making us sweat!! Connie was #45, she didn't want her picture taken with her number!!

I still think we have the best instructors at home though!!

Love, Bella

Emily Rhyse & Mila

2011-03-09T07:33:00.001-08:00

I love this photo of Emily Rhyse and her dog, Mila.

Love, Bella

toonces-not mine but soooo funny

2011-03-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

I have always thought "Toonces" was funny!!

Love, Bella

From my friend Mamye - this was a forward she sent me

2011-03-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

When I got up from the t able that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"

Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal -breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket, keep it in your own."

So please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine. And PLEASE pass this along to someone who has enriched your life.

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

"Life without God is like an unsharpend pencil - it has no point."

Love, Bella

Love-Never-Fails by Big Mama

2011-03-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

Everyone should read this from Big Mama's blog!!

http://thebigmamablog.com/8994/love-never-fails/

Love, Bella

PHOTO . . . .

2011-03-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

My daughter and her husband went to Venice Beach, California, for a "short, short" vacation (overnight), and of all the things that are "seen" there, this was the photo that she chose to share with me!! haha!! We all need a phone next to the potty!!

Love, Bella

Apple iPad 2

2011-03-03T07:54:00.001-08:00

Wishing on a star, a very big star!!

Love, Bella

ECONOMY is going down the drain . . . .

2011-03-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

If you don't believe me, just look at this photo!!

Love, Bella

KINDLE

2011-03-01T10:21:00.001-08:00

I love reading, always have. I have a ton of books that I have read and just can't part with them.

Then, I found this, Kindle. I love my Kindle. I carry it with me wherever I go, with over 200 books on it at the moment. And the best part, all but just a few were free from amazon.com!!

When just sitting around, I read. And if I happen to finish the book I am reading, I can just click on another one and continue reading. I love it.

I am taking my Kindle with me on vacation!!

Love, Bella

TC Bank- Dream Rangers

2011-02-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

2010 Income Taxes

2011-02-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

Our taxes have been filed!! Waiting on refund & trying to decide what to do with it.

Love,
Bella

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY RHYSE!!

2010-10-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Look who is the big "2"!! It is our precious Emily Rhyse!! Happy Birthday sweet girl!! We love you very much!!
Love, Bella & Poppa

Hawaii w/Connie, Emily Rhyse and Me . . . September, 2010

2010-10-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hawaii . . . .

2010-09-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

This is the forecast for my Hawaiian vacation:

High /
Low (°F) Precip. %
Today
Sep 17 Partly Cloudy 83°/75° 10 %
Sat
Sep 18 Mostly Sunny 83°/76° 10 %
Sun
Sep 19 Sunny 82°/76° 10 %
Mon
Sep 20 Sunny 82°/76° 0 %
Tue
Sep 21 Sunny 82°/76° 0 %
Wed
Sep 22 Sunny 82°/76° 0 %
Thu
Sep 23 Sunny 82°/76° 0 %
Fri
Sep 24 Sunny 82°/75° 0 %
Sat
Sep 25 Sunny 82°/75° 0 %
Sun
Sep 26 Mostly Sunny 82°/76° 10 %
Last Updated Sep 17 05:40 a.m. Hawaii ST

Whoo Hoo!!!
Love, Bella

ZUMBA. . . . . .

2010-09-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

I started Zumba classes in Hamburg at the Methodist Church on August 2, 2010, and attend the 5:15 p.m. class. Seems like every workout is a little bit more difficult. I guess I'm getting old. Maybe it's the arrangement of the songs, instead of an easy, hard, easy, hard one - I think it goes like this, easy, hard, hard, hard, hard, hard, hard, hard, easy!!
Love, Bella

EMILY RHYSE

2010-09-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

Beginning on Saturday, I get to spend a whole week with this precious Little One and it just happens to be that we will be spending that week in Hawaii - how awesome!!

I don't know why this photo is so small, that's not good.

But, I will totally be missing these people, my hot handsome husband and my baby girl, who will be attending Zumba for a week without me!!

I do plan on having a wonderful time with my oldest daughter and my sweet granddaughter. The week will be long and short at the same time. I know that sounds confusing but, it will pass by fast and the time with Connie & Emily Rhyse won't be long enough, but at the same time, it will go by slow in that I will be missing my husband and "Senior 2011" daughter.

On another note, Tom has arrived safely in Afghanistan and we will be sending him some jerky ASAP!!

Love, Bella

RIVAL FOOTBALL - Hamburg vs. Crossett - 9-10-2010

2010-09-13T09:48:00.001-07:00

THIS WAS THE FINAL SCORE!!

NFL

2010-09-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

September 9, 2010 - Oh yeah!! New Orleans Saints beat Minnesota Vikings!!! Score 14 to 9.

TOM, CONNIE & EMILY RHYSE

2010-09-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

Tom is one of the few, the proud, a MARINE!! And we are so very proud of him and what he does for our country. At this moment, we don't know exactly where Tom is or what he is doing, but what we do know is that he is doing everything that he has been trained to do and he is putting all of the USA above his own wants and needs. And, unfortunately, he is protecting the ones out there that feel the need to always complain about everything. Just really want to let Tom know how proud we are of him. We are so thankful that Tom and Connie found each other and that we have little Emily Rhyse.

Missing you all.

Love, Bella

Pictures

2010-04-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love these pictures of Emily Rhyse and just wanted to post them!!

Love, Bella

Aunt Jimmye and other stuff . . . . .

2010-04-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

Charles, Angela, Jim, CJ, Morgan

We had an awesome trip to California over Spring Break. We spent one day in Hollywood, one day whale watching (we saw 2 grey whales, dolphins & sea lions) and the beach (ate at Ruby's on the pier - awesome burgers), one day at MCRD - San Diego, and one day at Disneyland (note to self: can not do Disneyland in one day). On our way home, we made a side trip to Roswell, NM, to see Jim & CJ Huebner and to visit the UFO Museum. On the trip, we had our first ever encounter with Border Patrol!!

My Aunt Jimmye, who is my Mother's sister, came for a visit over Easter weekend and we had a really nice time. She is my only connection to my mom now and I miss her. We are planning to visit her in Kansas possibly over the Thanksgiving holiday and trying to plan a vacation together next year.

On another note, Connie, Tom & Emily were in their first earthquake yesterday, April 4, 2010, Easter Sunday. They thought it was cool, I didn't - I guess it could have been cool since they weren't hurt, but just the thought of what could have happened, scares me terribly.

Can't wait for December vacation, Canada here we come!!

Love, Bella

FINALLY . . .

2010-03-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Morgan had her post-op appointment with Dr. Richard Pillsbury, El Dorado, yesterday afternoon. Dr. Pillsbury said it was a pleasure having Morgan as a patient and that she had made him famous in Arkansas. He did a whole presentation on Morgan and her "sneezing." Now, maybe she can concentrate on getting her grades back up.

Spring Break starts and we are California bound!!

Love, Bella

Job 23:10-11

2010-03-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
-- Job 23:10-11

TONSILS . . . .

2010-02-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow we take Morgan for her pre-op appointment to get ready for surgery on Friday, February 26, 2010, to have her tonsils out. We are hoping this will stop all the sneezing, from the strep throat she had back in July, that she never got rid of that is sitting in her tonsils.

Please pray that surgery goes well and she will not have any problems from the surgery.

Love, Bella

Pre-Cancerous . . .

2010-02-16T06:48:00.000-08:00

So it goes, I had an annoying "spot" on my right forearm that started out as just a little rough spot and then grew into a somewhat "mole" looking thing, but it was not brown or black, it was like a dark pink and itched all the time and stayed "angry looking" as Ms. Polly would say. I made an appointment to see a dermatologist to have it checked out, I figured he would think I was just a crazy woman thinking I had some disease or something and it would be nothing but my imagination (what little I have) toying with me. Dr. Altick comes in, looks at it and says "it's pre-cancerous and I'm going to remove it." Okay!! The numbing shot didn't hurt, I didn't even feel a stick or anything. I watched him slice my pre-cancerous spot off and then he scraped it (I started to holler just to see what he would say, but I chickened out). I was told to clean it with peroxide and put antibiotic ointment on it. That was it - I worried for months about this "spot" and that was it. The shot didn't hurt, the cutting didn't hurt, nothing, no stitches, no big bandage, no sling for my arm - just clean it with peroxide and use antibiotic ointment on it. I got a bandaid!! I told the doctor I would get absolutely no sympathy for a bandaid. This fabulous opportunity was for the low price of $135.00, what a bargain!!

My appointment was on Friday, February 12, 2010 and Dr. Altick's office called me on Monday, February 15, 2010, to let me know that they already had the lab results back from my "spot" and that it was sure enough pre-cancerous just like he had already determined. They said nothing else to do, just to watch it and if it starts growing back, to come see them again.

Wish I would have taken pictures of my experience, but I didn't, so I can't share it with you in color. Sorry!!

Love, Bella

DEATH COMES . . . . whether we are ready or not

2010-02-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

Two good friends have passed from this life within a week of each other, Frankie Weaver (age 58) on January 26th and Linda Self (age 67) on February 2, 2010.

Frankie always had a smile and a big hug for you no matter where you saw him and he was a true friend in every sense of the word. I remember one time we all had been to Monroe to help Bobcat's daughter move and Frankie had been at Charles about his Moto Guzzi could out run the V-Rod - when we were almost back to town, Frankie & Debra passed Charles and the "race" was on, which wasn't really a race, but it was funny - Debra said they had to get a running start to pass Charlie. At the visitation, Debra said "you & Charlie love each other, because I wasn't finished loving Frankie." I was in tears. I've never seen a couple like Frankie & Debra and probably won't ever, I just pray I can love Charles so that he knows I love him without any doubts.

Linda was always willing to help you no matter what the task. She rode her own motorcycle and always had her "fuzzy" hat on. I remember working the Pastor's Retreat with Linda & Doug and Linda always volunteered to take care of the food for the kids that were there with their parents.

To Frankie and Linda - we loved y'all and y'all will be missed. See you later my friends.

Love,
Bella

MERRY CHRISTMAS . . . and other stuff

2009-12-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a while since I updated this blog, so here goes. This is the first time, in a very long time, that all of our Christmas shopping is completely done. And our Christmas tree is up & decorated. We got a new tree this year, it is a pre-lit white tree and we decorated it with red & blue ornaments, patriotic!!

Found out this month that Emily Rhyse has a heart murmur and they are sending her to a pediatric cardiologist to have it checked out. Morgan's sneezing has almost completely stopped, she still has a few episodes. She is currently on a round of antibotics after a "diagnosis" that this may have been caused from the Strep infection she had back in July - they are calling it PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infections). That's a mouth full. This could possibly lead to having her tonsils out.

Not much else on the home front at the moment. Life is blessed & all is good.

Love, Bella

6 weeks - almost 7 weeks . . .

2009-11-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

It has been 6 1/2 weeks of sneezing, at least it has slowed down now, so hopefully it has run its course. Still, no one knows what causes this or how to "cure" it. Morgan is back at school, thank goodness, but still not going to regular class. They had her in the library, where she was not getting her work done, so Ms. Stanley has moved her to a room across from her office so that she can help Morgan with school work. That has worked really well, as Morgan is almost completely caught up with her missed school work. Now, just waiting on the rest of the medical bills to trickle in, like the one from the MRI & CT Scan, got those, but waiting on insurance to pay before we pay anything on them (just those 2 were almost $10,000.00).

Me and my sister went to Texas for Emily Rhyse's first birthday. We had a pretty good time. Emily got lots of presents and ate cake.

Morgan stayed here & went to the Robotics competition with the school. They placed fifth (5th) and she had a good time at ASU, Jonesboro, Arkansas.

That's all the news for now.

Love, Bella

5 weeks & counting . . .

2009-10-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

Well, today is a full 5 weeks of sneezing for Morgan. The 2nd nerve block didn't last long, and now she is getting sick, already running 100 degree fever. Seems like she will never get to go back to school. Running out of ideas and patience, so frustrated at this moment.

Love, Bella

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY RHYSE!!

2009-10-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY LITTLE ONE!!

LOVE, BELLA & POPPA

Two weeks & three days .... hoping the sneezing has stopped

2009-10-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

Well after two weeks, three days and four doctors later, and missing almost 2 full weeks of school, there is no medical reason why Morgan should be sneezing. The only medical information is from overseas and all it says is that after three or four weeks, the people just quit sneezing. That's just wonderful!!

The school won't allow Morgan to attend until she quits sneezing, so now they are sending her work home for her to do. Not sure how that's going to work out, but that's where we are right now.

The only thing left that they can do for the sneezing is to clip that nerve and they won't consider doing that until after 4 weeks of sneezing. I'm not sure I want them doing that anyway, because it is permanent and she will have a "numb" spot on her cheek.

I keep praying that she will quit sneezing and soon.

Love, Bella

Look out El Dorado - here we come again . . .

2009-10-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Well, the MRI they did on Morgan yesterday yielded absolutely NOTHING!! Got a call from Dr. Pillsbury's office this morning saying that he had been on the phone to a doctor at UAMS and decided they would like to do a CT scan. So, back to El Dorado we go tomorrow for the scan. Tried to send Morgan to school today, didn't work, they called for me to come get her - she was sneezing constantly again. I know that she is getting tired of this - just wish they could figure it out. Back to the drawing board, so to speak. Yesterday, Dr. Pillsbury said that he is running out of ideas and has no clue as to what is causing the sneezing. Only Jesus knows, at this point, what is going on.

Love, Bella

Doctor #3

2009-10-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hopefully it is true what they say - third times a charm. Morgan is still sneezing, only relief is when they "numb" the inside of her nose, which they can't just keep doing. Doctor #3 is running different tests to see what could be going on that keeps Morgan sneezing constantly. He scoped her nose yesterday, found no foreign "objects" in there, sent her for a urine test - which came back negative, and now we go early Monday morning for an MRI,and then to the doctor's office. I was just curious, so while sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office, after filling out paperwork, I started counting Morgan's sneezes, she sneezed over 100 times, one right after the other, no telling how many actual sneezes, because she was sneezing before I started counting & continued to sneeze afterwards, until, of course, they called us back & "numbed" her nose (I think they got tired of hearing her in the waiting room).

So, that's the update for now...

Love, Bella

Sneezing and more sneezing . . .

2009-09-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Morgan has been sneezing since Thursday, September 24, 2009. I took her to her doctor this morning (September 28, 2009) who gave her Singular and two different kinds of nasal spray, all of which DID NOT work. So, we were back at his office this afternoon, and he sent us to an ENT doctor, who "numbed" her nose - YAY!! she quit sneezing, for all of about an hour. NOW, she is sneezing again - not quite as bad as before, but still SNEEZING!! May end up taking her back, will call the ENT doctor tomorrow to see what needs to be done.

Please pray for my baby.

Love, Bella

Making the Grade . . .

2009-09-22T10:52:00.001-07:00

Well, yesterday was progress report time for the school my daughter attends. And, I must say that this first progress report of the year is SO MUCH BETTER than the ones in the past and I am tickled pink about it. There is always room for improvement but I am so proud of the progress she has made, this her junior year. She is a wonderful, bright, intelligent, young woman - now if I can just get her to somehow believe that we will be doing awesome. I love you Sweet Pea!! Way to go!!

Love, Bella

Bible reading . . .

2009-09-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

I read this today: "BETTER is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife." Proverbs 17:1 - and thought what a wonderful scripture, so I just had to post it. It is SO relevant to my life at this very minute. Have I told you how much I love Papa God, he is so amazing.

Love, Bella

Just when all you thought you had were lemons ...

2009-09-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

God shows up with some lemonade!! Due to unforeseen and regrettable (but needed) circumstances, I was left without a vehicle and virtually no way to get one. Then God sent two of my siblings in Christ to me, with vehicle in hand, along with keys and a clear title. God is my forever papa and I love him dearly and thank him for what he has done for me, and he is always right on time.

Love, Bella

One Step At A Time

2009-09-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Things are going good, just taking one step at a time. Moving very slowly, trying to think things completely through before making any decisions or taking any actions. God is providing for me and Morgan like never before, and I thank our Heavenly Father for that. He has provided food, utilities, and a vehicle, at a time when we thought we were going to be without, and as always right on time. God is good all the time.

Little Emily started taking her first steps this week, I miss her so much.

Morgan is making good grades so far this year, she has an A in English, A in Computer Graphics, and a B in Oral Communications.

My Mother's birthday would have been this coming Sunday, September 6, she would have been 69 years old, I miss her so much. Her death was so sudden that October 15, 2001, day, I didn't even get a chance to tell her that I love her and to tell her goodbye. There are times that I think I need to call Mom and tell her something, but then remember I can't call her. Mom, I love you and miss you so much.

Love, Bella

Life

2009-08-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

I know the old addage about if life hands you lemons make lemonade; but that doesn't make it any easier. Sometimes those lemons are like rocks and you can't make lemonade out of rocks, although you could put them in a hole in your driveway. I know, I know, that didn't make much sense, but life isn't making much sense to me at the moment. It has been (July 11th) a month and 10 days (August 21st)now since life changes.

Morgan started her junior year at Hamburg High School and she likes her teachers - YAY!!! And she doesn't have to go back to the cardiologist until December - YAY!!!

Little Emily is growing and changing so much and I haven't seen her in about a month. Connie says she is balancing herself standing and getting into everything and she is eating food food now. Connie says Tom is kicking tail at school in San Angelo - YAY!!!

This is the 3rd day that I have drank as much water as you are suppose to in a day - it only goes that we should drink that much since the body is mostly made up of water - and that's the drink that God put here for us to drink.

I started this post on August 11th and just finished it today on August 21st. I guess I will end this endless rambling and put this post out of its misery.

Love Bella

AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE TOUR 2009 - July 25, 2009

2009-07-28T17:15:00.001-07:00

Danny Gokey

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert

Kris Allen

Kris Allen

Awesome concert!! Kris Allen had everyone call the Hogs with him!!

July 4, 2009 - Weekend in Colleyville, Texas

2009-07-06T18:50:00.001-07:00

Emily Rhyse - Happy 8th Month Birthday!!

2009-06-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Emily Rhyse helping me at work - she kept trying to print everything!! It was funny!! I love you Little One!!
Love, Bella

Swim Meet - Monticello, June 20, 2009

2009-06-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Morgan & Savannah
Morgan
Savannah (breast stroke)
Morgan & Savannah
Morgan (backstroke)
These are photos from Morgan's second swim meet (I forgot the camera at the first one). She had some problems during this swim meet, and we couldn't figure out what was going on (she did really well at the first meet) - then when we got home, she felt achy, said she felt like she was on fire but was cold, sore throat and she started running a fever. So, we decided to take her on to the emergency room - she has strep throat, so now we know why she was having problems. They gave her the "shot" - a one time deal, no medicine by mouth for 10 days. By late Sunday afternoon, she was feeling better, and her fever was gone. No swim practice today, maybe tomorrow. Next swim meet in Magnolia on Saturday.
Love, Bella
ps: Connie, Tom & Emily Rhyse will be here on Wednesday!!

Morgan's Check-up

2009-06-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

Morgan in the pilot seat of an F-18 Fighter Jet
Morgan had an appointment with her cardiologist yesterday afternoon. After waiting for an hour and a half, we were finally called back. They did an EKG and then we were placed in an exam room, for another hour. In all, we were there for two and a half hours. But, the good news is Morgan is doing well on her medication and she doesn't have to go back for 6 months unless she starts having problems again. YAY!!!!!

Morgan has also joined the Crossett Swim Team, so our summer is totally full. Catch you later.

God is so good all the time!!!!!!

Love, Bella

ps: If you haven't sponsored a child through Compassion International, check out their website and sponsor a child today in the name of Jesus!! There's no feeling like it!!

Emily Rhyse is 7 Months today!!!!!

2009-05-28T11:28:00.001-07:00

Bella & Emily Rhyse 3 days before she turned 7 months old
Little One, I love you so much and miss you!!!

Love, Bella

Photos from our Memorial Day Weekend . . . . that's all . . . . nothing else

2009-05-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Connie & Tom
Connie, Tom & Emily Rhyse
Morgan, Bella & Rachel standing on an F-18 jet (how cool is that)
Poppa & Bella at the top of the Hunting Island Lighthouse
The Family

Growing Up Too Fast ............

2009-05-15T08:12:00.001-07:00

This is my baby girl, Morgan Ann, and her friend, Aaron, at the Prom. Can you believe it, my baby at the Prom? Woe is me!!!!! But, doesn't she look fabulous!!!!!

Love, Bella

Water, water and more water

2009-05-13T18:28:00.001-07:00

This was what we woke up to on Monday morning. The water was so deep that I couldn't get my car out to go to work, I had to take the truck. I try not to complain about the rain, because when July and August hits, we are going to be wishing it would rain. And besides, I'm sure God knows how much rain we need.

Love, Bella

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

2009-05-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

To ALL Mothers and Grandmothers, Happy Mother's Day!! I lost my Mom in 2001, and I sure do miss her. Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, I love you. My Mom was my best friend, we talked everyday, and I miss her cooking - no one can cook like Momma, her milk gravy, homemade biscuits, cinnamon roles, rice pudding, fried potatoes, and pinto beans.

Love, Bella

Today........

2009-05-09T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day, we went to the movies and Morgan and I saw "Hannah Montana" and Poppa went to see "Wolverine." We really enjoyed watching the movie, just the girls. Now just sitting at home, finishing the laundry and watching "Twilight."

I'm trying to write more on this blog, but sometimes, like now, I just can't seem to come up with the words. I thought the more I try to write, just maybe, it would come easier.

Planning a trip to see Emily Rhyse over the Memorial Day weekend and I can't wait, and bringing Hope home with us. Just two days of fitting in months of missing, holding and kissing Emily Rhyse. See you on the 22nd Connie and Emily Rhyse.

Love, Bella

Wow!!

2009-05-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

"A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”

”Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”

“I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

Now, aren’t you glad you are a “cracked pot” too!

-Author Unknown"

I found this quote on this blog: http://jonesbones5.com/ and just had to share it. Absolutely awesome!!!!

Love, Bella

Morgan Ann

2009-05-06T16:05:00.001-07:00

This is my baby daughter, Morgan Ann, and it seems like this year (all of 2009) we have spent an awful lot of time at the doctors' offices, either at her regular doctor or at the cardiologist's office. Morgan has been put on a beta blocker which seems to have "fixed" her racing heart problem. But now, she is having these pains in different areas of her body and they can't find out why. Please pray that the pains would stop completely and for her body to be healed.

Love, Bella

Clementina

2009-05-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

I would like for everyone to meet Clementina. She is the little girl that we sponsor from Nicaragua. When I received this photo over the weekend and read the letter from her, I had to hold back the tears. She is so precious, and I feel so blessed to be able to be a small part in her life. I would ask that you all add Clementina to your daily prayers. And, if you are not already sponsoring a child through Compassion International, click on the link to the right and sponsor a child today, in Jesus' name.

Love, Bella

Armadillo Festival

2009-05-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

Just relaxing, trying to recoup from the busy weekend. Morgan and I participated in the 5k run - 1 mile walk on Saturday (we did the 1 mile walk), and it liked to have kicked my tail. I am so out of shape. Morgan wants me and her to participate in the 5k run next year (oh my). Hmmmm, I guess we better start "training" now or I'll probably have a heart attack.

Ooh lala, we got to see an "Elvis Impersonator" and he was really good.

Can you believe there was actually a small team (3 people) there that are doing a documentary on armadillos, so be looking for it to come to your local PBS channel!!! It was too funny!!!

That's all for now.

Love, Bella

Emily Rhyse - 6 month birthday

2009-04-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 6 MONTH BIRTHDAY, EMILY RHYSE!!!!!

Love, Bella

Sick

2009-04-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

I've been sick now for over a week, have this awful cough and can't get rid of it. I think I have been running a low grade fever also. Cough so much until it makes my head hurt and it just makes me feel yuck. Poppa has the same thing, so not sure what it is. Hope Morgan doesn't come down with it.

Missing my Emily Rhyse so bad.

Love, Bella

Blessed Beyond Measure

2009-04-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today (I know, can you believe I was actually thinking) how blessed we are. We live in a country where we are allowed to gather in Jesus' name without fear of the government hauling us all off to jail. We have a roof over our head, we have more than enough food to eat (you can just look at us and tell that), we have running water in our homes and electricity. Our kids are allowed to get an education in order to better themselves, instead of looking for food at the local dump or farming for it, or having to get a job to help support the family.

I think of these types of things when I hear kids, including mine, complain about cleaning up their rooms, or helping wash dishes after we eat. There are children in the world that do not have a room of their own to keep clean or enough food to eat, much less a dish to put the food on that needs to be washed.

We, as Americans, have spoiled our children. We have made them "bad" - no one else did that, just us, all because we didn't want them to go through what we did as kids or have to do all the chores that we were assigned to do. But, we, instead, are raising lazy children who do not know how to do anything, and they certainly don't want to contribute to the household by doing a few odd chores. Instead, it is facebooking and myspacing on their own personal computers; and texting on their own cell phones. We have literally ruined our children.

Need I remind you that these are the same children that will be taking care of us when we are old and not able to care for ourselves. They are our future; they will be running this country; they will be making decisions for all of us.

I pray that God puts a fire under our well-fed butts to start raising our children they way He set out for us in his Word. Jesus, please forgive me for raising such lazy children and help me to get them back on track.

In Jesus' sweet name, Amen!

Love, Bella

CMA State Rally/Seasons of Refreshing at The Hub, Marble Falls, Arkansas

2009-04-22T17:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, April 17 - 19, 2009, my husband and I attended the CMA State Rally/Seasons of Refreshing at The Hub in Marble Falls, Arkansas. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, mountains, curves, and we saw a beautiful rainbow. Services were awewsome, as always. It was a great time in fellowshipping with all our CMA friends, and worshipping the Lord.

Poppa and I, during a break, went to Mystic Caverns and took the tour through the two caverns - it was awesome, and we saw a little bat. We spent a lot of much needed time together, without all the distractions that we normally have. It was very refreshing.

Thank you Jesus for the wonderful weekend!!

Love, Bella

Another Update - Morgan Ann

2009-03-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

On Morgan's last visit to the cardiologist, Morgan was put on a beta blocker to slow her heart rate down - still wearing the heart monitor until March 7th. Ever since she has been taking the beta blocker, she has not had to press the button on the heart monitor to record her heart rate - which is good - means the beta blocker is working. Dr. King, the cardiologist, still wants Morgan to see the eletrophysiologist that comes to Monroe from New Orleans, that appointment has been set for April 2nd. I almost forgot, Dr. King did also say that there is the possibility that Morgan will grow out of this - he said for some reason teenage girls are prone for this to occur.

On another note, Poppa and I missed working the Pastor's Retreat on Iron Mountain last year (2008) for financial reasons and Morgan's school issues and we were hoping to work it this year, but vacation scheduling and doctor's appointments will not permit us to work again this year. We, however, will be attending the CMA Arkansas Seasons of Refreshing/State Rally in April.

I am totally missing my grandbaby, Emily Rhyse, and am not sure when I will get to see her again.

I am learning a lot of patience in all of this - maybe that's what God had intended for me to learn through all of this - because I have definitely wanted quick answers and even quicker actions, because I have been so scared with Morgan's heart rate running as high as 180 bpm and that is when she is just sitting around. I was thrilled when the doctor said that it was not life-threatening.

Keep us in your prayers. I am rambling now, so I guess I will go for now.

Love, Bella

Update

2009-02-16T11:01:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize that it has been so long since I posted, not that anyone is reading this anyway. Morgan had her stress test on Monday, February 9, 2009, the doctor said she did good. We go back to the doctor (cardiologist) on February 18, 2009, to get all of her test results. It is like I can't function with this looming over us, the not knowing. I feel like a robot, get up and go to work, come home, go to bed, start all over the next day. There have been several times when Morgan's heart rate was recorded in the 140s and her not doing anything, and at least once, that they know of, it was 180 something. This can't be good for her to have such a high heart rate all the time.

Missing Emily Rhyse.

Love, Bella

Update - Morgan Ann

2009-01-22T11:05:00.000-08:00

I had to pick Morgan up from school yesterday because of chest pains, so I called the cardiologist to see if he could possibly go ahead and see her and yes he could. They did another EKG, which came out okay - PRAISE GOD!! They also did an ultrasound because they thought they heard a leak in the mitral valve of her heart - preliminary results showed everything okay - PRAISE GOD!! Her pain is in the muscle where the breast bone and the ribs come together, very painful - so 30 days of anti-inflammatory medicine. She will have a stress test done on February 9 and we see the doctor again on February 18.

Relieved, Mom

Update - Morgan Ann

2009-01-20T17:10:00.001-08:00

Received the call from Dr. Stanley's nurse, the cardiologist saw the same thing on the EKG and wants to see Morgan on Thursday. So, please keep us in your prayers.
Thank you, Worried Mom

Morgan Ann

2009-01-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

Please pray for my daughter, Morgan Ann. I took her to the doctor on Friday, she was having chest pains, this being the second time for this to occur. The doctor sent her for a chest x-ray and an EKG. The chest x-ray was okay, but the EKG showed "a delay in conduction." The doctor has sent her test results to another doctor for a second opinion - now we are waiting to hear from that.

Thank you,
Worried Mom

Missing Emily Rhyse

2009-01-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

Didn't realize I could miss someone so much - sure wish I could see and hold little Emily Rhyse.
Love, Bella

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!

2008-12-24T14:52:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS! I love the meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate.

I try to teach my children that it is not about "getting" but about "giving," not necessarily giving presents, but giving of yourself, which I have to admit that I have failed miserably in that department this year. I pray that God will help me do better this next year. There is just so much commercialism about selling and buying and the big department stores competing for sales, and they say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" because it might offend someone. What about offending me and other Christians because they don't say "Merry Christmas." I don't know about you, but I for one do not want to hear "Happy Holidays." There wouldn't be a "holiday" in the first place if it had not been for the birth of Jesus - He is the reason for the season.

So, MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!

Love, Bella

28 Years Ago

2008-12-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

On Monday, December 15, 1980, at 3:00 a.m., 28 years ago, I was admitted to the hospital to have my first baby. I was 18 and scared to death. After my body decided that it did not want to have a baby naturally and shut down completely, the doctor decided I needed a C-Section on Wednesday, December 17, 1980, just about noon. Ever since then, Connie has been late for just about everything, except for having Emily Rhyse, who was 5 weeks early.

Time sure does fly by when you aren't looking. It is hard to believe that Connie is 28 and now a mommy. And my goodness, Morgan Ann is 15. I remember when they were just babies, it seems like yesterday, until I look in the mirror and see the years written all over me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNIE MARIE!!!!

Have a Blessed Day in the Lord!!

Love, Bella

High School

2008-12-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

I don't remember life being so difficult, you got up, dressed, ate breakfast, went to school, came home, did homework, ate supper, took a shower, and went to bed. Get up the next day and start the process over. And do whatever your parents instruct you to do, whether it was mow the grass, rack the leaves, wash the dishes, etc., and you did it without mouthing.

Today, I get a call from my daughter, who is in tears, because a girl at school has decided for her "pet" project to try to destroy my daughter. The fleshy part of me wants to tell my daughter to kick her tail, but the Christian me says "turn the other cheek, and walk away." Why does it get so tiring doing the "right" thing? And how come they never tire of doing the "wrong" thing and what do they get out of it? Do they think it makes them look good, makes them look intelligent, by downgrading someone else?

I don't like it when my children have to experience this kind of abuse, senseless abuse. It has gotten so bad that my daughter wants to change schools, and I tell her that she can't run from this kind of stuff, that it's the same everywhere, mean and bullying kids.

You know, it doesn't have to be like this - I believe this is what happens when you have a generation of children that have not been disciplined at home, and are taught to "fight" no matter what and no matter who it hurts. I don't want my children raised like that - but society, it seems, almost dictates it to be so.

Please keep us in your prayers.

Bella.

Hospitals - Yuck

2008-12-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

I received a call yesterday, our daughter Connie was in the hospital. The doctor said it is her gallbladder and it has to be removed; it is loaded with gallstones. She was admitted to the hospital overnight for pain and I think, to be sure none of the gallstones had "dumped" into her bile (I think that's the word). Anyway, little Emily and Tom stayed the night with her and she was released this morning. She was placed on a liquid diet and we aren't sure how that is going to work since she is breastfeeding. The doctor has scheduled her surgery for Friday. Please pray for the doctors, nurses, Connie, Tom and little Emily.

On another note, my niece, Kristy, has asked for prayer for her husband, Wade. He has been having seizures and they don't know what is causing them. Please keep them in your prayers also.

See ya in blog land, Bella

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

We had the most wonderful Thanksgiving. It started the Saturday before when we left home headed for South Carolina. The trip was long, but enjoyable. Our youngest daughter, Morgan Ann, kept texting me with weather updates like she was the weather lady. She did really well.

Fourteen hours later, we arrived at Laurel Bay and got to meet our grandbaby for the first time. She is absolutely beautiful, and she is such a good baby.

We took her for her first beach visit at Hunting Island, although she didn't get to see it, the wind was blowing really hard, drizzling rain, and cold, so she stayed wrapped up really well. I got to hold her, kiss her and love on her all week long - not sure when we will be back to South Carolina.

We left on Sunday, November 30, heading home. It was so hard to leave, I really wanted to stay. The drive home seemed like a lifetime, it took us longer to get home, it rained most of the way and the wind was really blowing.

Bella

THE CHILDREN ON THE COMPASSION WEBSITE

2008-11-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

I just finished looking at over 600 children on the Compassion website (there are more than that), and my heart just breaks for these children. There are so many on there that have that little red heart in the upper left-hand corner that means they have been waiting six (6) months or longer for a sponsor. I just wish I could sponsor them all.

Jesus, I pray for sponsors for these children, for all of them.

In Jesus' Name, Bella

VETERAN'S DAY

2008-11-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

Today is a special day for the military and their families. It is a day of rememberance and a day to give thanks to the many soldiers that fought for our freedom and a tribute to the families of the ones that "gave all."

My husband, Chalie, was in the Marine Corps from 1967 to 1975 and fought in Vietnam. Our family is very proud of his service to our country and thank God that he made it home safe.

Our son-in-law, Tom, is a Marine, stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina, and he just got back from 6 months over seas.

I heard on the radio, American Family Radio, the other day where this town was having a Veteran's Day parade and hardly anyone showed up for it, except, of course, the Veterans. The Veterans were very hurt by this show of indifference. If it were not for our Veterans and our current military this country would be nothing, they are why we are the "land of the free."

So, thank a Veteran today or any military personnel that you know or see today. Let them know that their efforts and sacrifices are not for nothing.

May God Bless our Veterans, our military, and their families.

Love, Bella

Great Opportunity For Giving/Sharing in The Name of Jesus

2008-11-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

Rebecca (Becky) Lynn Murphy

2008-11-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

On November 7, 2008, I attended the funeral of a good friend, Becky. We worked together for several years and became friends. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer.

I have comfort in knowing that Becky knew Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. We use to have conversations all the time about Jesus, and talking about the Bible.

Becky will be greatly missed. Love ya Becky, your still older!!!

Love, Angie Kay

Christian Motorcyclists Association - Changing of the Colors Rally, Mena, Arkansas

2008-11-06T13:51:00.000-08:00

Every year, since 2003, my family and I have been attending the Changing of the Colors Rally in Mena, Arkansas. This is a Christian motorcycle rally where Christians who like to ride motorcycles can get together and fellowship and worship our Lord and Saviour; they provide services for the children and also for the youth, as well as the adults. It is a time where I don't have to constantly look over my shoulder and wonder if my daughter is okay - when we are on Iron Mountain for the rally, she visits all her friends that she has made over the years and attends the youth services, when she was younger she attended the children's service.

It always happens, every year, we go and get refreshed in the Lord and we always leave there extremely blessed. For the last several years, some of CMA International leaders have been attending this rally and it is just awesome to hear what God is doing in their countries through this motorcycle ministry. There have been leaders from the United Kingdom, Africa, Netherlands, Spain, Mexico, Dubai, and countless other countries. We really enjoy getting to meet them and listening to their experiences. We just have an awesome time in the Lord.

My husband and I usually work some during the rally, either helping clean the restrooms or helping out with traffic (unfortunately, we were not able to help this year because I got there late.)

CMA sponsors a Pastor's Retreat every year for pastors and we have had the privilege of helping out with this also, and have enjoyed our pastor attending this retreat. I believe we are more blessed by just being allowed to serve than the Pastor's are, but they don't think so.

Please pray for me.

Love, Bella

Compassion International

2008-11-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

I have been reading the blogs from the Compassion Bloggers about their trip to the Dominican Republic this week, November 2-7, 2008, and their accounts of what they are experiencing are so profound and life-changing. I find myself teary-eyed at their experiences, from the one family that says they have no hope to the family that has hope and all because the mother in that family had a sponsor as a child, and two of her children are being sponsored. My prayer is that the family with no hope, through Melanie, who is sponsoring their little Ana, will find hope in Jesus.

It is difficult for us to grasp what these people are going through, what they are living in, what they are living without, and the fact that through Compassion and the sponsors, they are being cared for and loved.

I pray that all of the children that are listed on the Compassion website will be sponsored and that there will be sponsors waiting for children, instead of children waiting for sponsors.

What an awesome God we serve!!!!

Be Blessed, Bella

Just Some Thoughts

2008-11-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

My mom (Emily) passed away on October 15, 2001, and my dad (Joe) passed away on January 10, 2008; and my husband's mom (Louise) passed away on October 1, 2008 and his dad (Carl) in 1979. If you are lucky enough to still have your parents, you are blessed. I don't understand why my mom got to live only 61 years and my dad 70 years, but I know that it was God's plan. In these last few years, I have learned to lean on my husband a lot more, like I should have been doing all along. Lord you will always be No. 1.

My family is slowly growing, with the addition of our first granddaughter, Emily Rhyse. I thank God for her and the joy she has already brought to our lives, she is a miracle - our daughter, due to previous complications, didn't think she would be able to get pregnant. We chose to be called Bella and Poppa by our granddaughter, we wanted something that would be special and that you don't hear everyday.

I told you these were just some thoughts.

My husband and I enjoy riding motorcycles and we are members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (http://www.cmausa.org/). My husband rides a Harley-Davidson V-Rod, but is currently wanting a Kawaski Concours; and I ride a Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster; we also own a Honda 250 Rebel that is used to teach others to ride.

I enjoy reading blogs that are written by other Christian women, they are so uplifting and encouraging.

Our youngest daughter, Morgan Ann, is 15 years old, and is a sophomore this year. She is hanging with a better group of kids this year (last year was a nightmare).

I work two jobs. My full-time job is as a legal secretary for a law firm that I have been with for 15 years now; and my second job I started in the middle of August, 2008, and it is at the Sonic.

I would love to be able to go on a mission trip, either with CMA or with a group like Compassion International. So far, my travels have only taken me as far East as Florida, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, DC; West to Texas; South to Louisiana; North to Missouri and Kansas; and to Hawaii in December, 2007 (my first ever plane ride, I got woozy on the plane also). I've only been out of the USA one time and that is when we took a cruise during Spring Break of 2001 to the Bahamas, I got sea sick (well, really just woozy).

I think I need to end this post - it is really just some scattered thoughts running through my little brain.

Love, Bella

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2008-11-04T08:58:00.001-08:00

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Emily's Hospital Stay - Jaundice

2008-11-02T06:40:00.001-08:00

On November 1, 2008, Emily Rhyse was admitted to Beaufort Memorial Hospital because her bilirubin count (Jaundice) was still high. This morning, November 2, 2008, the count was down from 15.__ to 12.__, so she will have to stay in the hospital a little longer, hopefully it will be down enough this afternoon so she can go home.

I was thinking about little Emily's weight, at 5.4 pounds she is just over the weight of a bag of sugar and when her weight dropped to 4.15 pounds, she wasn't as big as a bag of sugar. I just really wish I was there with her, to love on her and to let her know that Bella loves her so much. Her great-grandmother would have been beside herself.

No more news today, just please keep praying for her to continue to improve.

Have a Blessed Day!!!!!

Love,
Bella

Emily's 1st Doctor Visit

2008-10-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Little Emily Rhyse had her first doctor's visit today. She still weighs 4.15 pounds, but her Jaundice seems to be better because she is nursing again - Thank You Jesus!!

Connie & Tom are suppose to set up the webcam tomorrow so that we can see Emily Rhyse crying or moving around or something - maybe she won't be sleeping.

Please pray for her to keep getting stronger everyday.

Love,
Bella, Poppa & Aunt Morgan

EARLY DELIVERY

2008-10-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is Emily Rhyse. She is our first grandbaby and she arrived 5 weeks early. Her original due date was December 3, 2008, but I guess she didn't get that memo, because she came on October 28, 2008, weighing in at 5.4 pounds, and was 18 inches. She was born at Beaufort Memorial Hospital in Beaufort, South Carolina, to her parents, Connie and Tom. We will not get to see her until the Thanksgiving holidays, at least that way her Aunt Morgan and her Poppa will be able to travel with Bella to her.

When we got the call that our daughter was in labor, I just laid in bed and prayed that God would protect Connie and little Emily Rhyse, because I knew she was early. God is faithful, he protected them both. Emily Rhyse only needed to be on oxygen for a little while, and she is eating and doing well. And Connie was not in labor for extreme amount of time, like you always hear people talking about, so that was a blessing also.

We love you, Emily Rhyse.

Bella, Poppa & Aunt Morgan