Thursday, May 26, 2016

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND & Update on John

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, People.
We have lots of exciting stuff going on
this weekend.
Yes. We. Do.

Our sweet Lulu is graduating from
EIGHTH GRADE!
She is singing at the graduation mass
in the morning.
She is the only girl in her school that they 
ask to sing solos.
She is as beautiful on the inside as she is
on the outside.
A real blessing to us.

My daughter, Mimi, came up from IN
to share the Memorial Day weekend with us.
Her hubby had to work at a
Harley Davidson rally (poor boy)
but her entourage includes
TWO TREE HUGGERS
and 
ONE SCREAMER
Also called 
DIRTY GIRL~
It should be a fun weekend
with kiddos and a graduation party.

As for MyHero:
If you are wondering what a neck looks like
after radiation and chemo
this is it.
Close your eyes if you are squeamish.
There has been NO SURGERY at this point.
He is ever-so-slowly improving.
He is still very fatigued and often feels
light-headed and dizzy.
He has a hard time sleeping at night-
although he gets a few hours at a stretch.
He usually naps a few hours a day.
He still cannot eat and is using 
the feeding tube for all his meals.
Nothing 'tastes' right and he has trouble
swallowing anything other than liquids.
I am thinking of getting him a special gift
as he recovers.
He has always loved fish.
Wouldn't this be an
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT GIFT?
There are even online demonstrations!
If you have never seen this you have missed 
something special!
It is only THIRTY SECONDS LONG.
Looks good, doesn't it?

In every dark cloud there is a silver lining, right?
I don't have to COOK!
I can have a huge bowl of ice cream salad 
for every meal
and no one says a thing.

AND-Whenever MyHero says he doesn't feel
VERY USEFUL
I remind him that he certainly has a 
God-given purpose in his life.
See what I mean!?!!

HAPPY (and I do mean SMILING HAPPY)
Memorial Day!
your photo name

95 comments:

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

So glad to see your post my dear friend. it will take time for John to get well. His neck isn't to bad, have seen worse.
All of your grands are simply beautiful - you are one lucky lady.
Enjoy your weekend with your wonderful family, dear friend.

Hugs,
Mary

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Diana, I do hope you all have a wonderful weekend together. We're praying for John and your entire family. Take care of yourself, dear one. xo ♥

20 North Ora said...

So glad to see your post! Hope you have a great weekend. Praying daily for you both.


Judy

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

So happy for you as you enjoy your precious, talented and beautiful family this weekend. Continued prayers for recovery for your hero. You are indeed a sweet couple.

This N That said...

Funny! I was working on cards today and occurred to me that you never gave me your address! I was thinking about you and hoping things were OK since I haven't heard anything for awhile.. Lulu is turning into a beautiful girl. So happy that your family is going to be with you this weekend.. Love that fish thing! Where did you ever find it? To funny. Enjoy your weekend and your time together. Much love Xxoo

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Bless his heart...I don't think his neck looks bad. I will pray that he can eat and sleep...very nice to have family around. Take care!
warmly,
deb

Kathy said...

When did Lulu grow up? You turn your head for a minute... Love the Bass-O-Matic. I think I have to get me one. I'm glad to hear your husband is recovering even if it is slowly. At least he has a useful purpose in life. Ha, ha. Human fruit holder.

Laurie said...

You have not lost your sense of humor. Thank the Lord!

LuLu is beautiful! And your cute little weekend guests are too. Look how big Bright Eyes is getting.

So happy to hear that your Hero is improving and that here are happy smiles over your way.

Cecilia said...

Where to start? Miss Lulu is gorgeous and looking quite grown up. The boys and Miss Screamer are so cute. The bass o matic is hilarious and might I add, gross? Lol. Ouch on John's neck but glad he's improving. The last picture is too funny. Those girls have a wicked sense of humor. ;-) Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

Cranberry Morning said...

What a wonderful post! Loved all the pics of those cute grandkids as well as the William Tell photo. Which one gets to shoot it off his head? Praying that the scan shows good results. You have a wonderful weekend. So much to enjoy, including that little soloist!!! (Who isn't so little anymore, but just as cute). xoxo

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Oh dear, your poor man is such a good sport assuming he finds out he was the shelf while sleeping. You bad girls! It's almost Memorial Day and the lights are still twinkling in the morning, but I'm thinking Monday just might be the day to take them down since all is going well with you.

Katie Isabella said...

Dearest Diana! Your hero looks amazingly good for all he endures! Love that last picture!!!! And Lulu and Dirty Girl too! Made my grandmama heart smile! Xxxooo

Trisha said...

I hope you all enjoy a long weekend together and that the healing continues for all of you!

~Trisha

Lucille said...

Dear Diana! You're so funny! lol! It's a wonder that you can keep your wonderful sense of humour. I am so happy to have news of John. I was thinking of you guys today in a special way and wondering how he was doing. Well, I can see he's not doing well. Do you think he will be able to go back to work at the end of the month? His poor neck. It's shocking! Does his skin hurt? I still pray for him and will continue to do so. I pray for him at every meal asking the Lord to heal his throat and to renew his saliva gland. I pray for him to be able to swallow. I ask the Lord to prevent him from falling again. I have other offerings that I do for him in the course of a day. He has become a special prayer project for me. I see that I need to do more. I feel so sorry for him and all that he is going through. Hope you enjoyed your weekend with your grandchildren. They are lovely children and they seem so well behaved. Take care! Life is tough! I take it one day at a time.

Nancy's Notes said...

Diana, how nice to have a great weekend planned! Good for all! Glad your hero is improving, will continue to pray for him and you too! Your little ones are just adorable! I know you'll be in your element this weekend, enjoy!!
Hugs,
Nancy

Kay G. said...

OH my goodness, you are so funny. I know the skit very well from Saturday Night Live!
You know, your grand daughter in the photo where she is wearing her pink boots...she looks just like YOU on the cover of your book! (Which I need to order, I am remembering!)
Your grand kids are all so gorgeous, but you knew that already.
Praying for strong healing for your sweet husband, you make a a great PEAR. (Get it? HA)

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

So happy for you to have John healing and special family for the weekend! I have seen that bass-o-matic...it's disgusting....funny...but disgusting!! Have a wonderful weekend and keep smiling!!

Red Rose Alley said...

Diana, first of all, I'm so sorry your husband can't swallow yet or eat solids yet. That must be so difficult for him. And I'm also sorry it's hard for him to sleep at night. He needs to heal and sleep, and when it's impossible to do so, that must be very hard for him.

Lulu looks sweet in her white dress, and how wonderful that she gets to sing for her graduation. I'm glad you get to see Mimi and the three little ones this memorial day weekend. I just love that "dirty" picture of Bright Eyes, it's priceless. You should really try making a greeting card out of it.

Take care of yourself, Diana, and God bless you and John.

love, ~Sheri

Blondie's Journal said...

You are success at producing gorgeous grandkids and I give credit to the grandmas!!! :)

Your guy has really had and is having a lot of trials and tribulations. I pray things get better and soon. I don't think I have the strength to go through this nor what my husband did.

Love, love, love.

Jane

Donna said...

Hi Diana
I was so happy to see your post today. WOW! Miss Lulu is gorgeous! I can't believe she's all grown up, and so pretty! That is wonderful she will be singing a solo, I know you are so proud of her. I am so sorry this has been such a long and painful haul with John's recovery. So glad you still have that nutty, er, I mean, silly sense of humor! I think I'll pass on that fish o matic, though! Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way:) Love you!

Mw said...

I would just like to say that I have seen John quite a bit lately and he is amazing. He looks great and he is out in the yard doing what he loves. He will beat this and move on to the next chapter.

Mw said...

I would just like to say that I have seen John quite a bit lately and he is amazing. He looks great and he is out in the yard doing what he loves. He will beat this and move on to the next chapter.

Pom Pom said...

I've been praying for you today. Thanks for the update. You are feeling God's great love for you, I can tell.

Leena Milligan Lanteigne said...

Bass-O-Matic! I remember it well! Too funny! When we moved in here we noticed that the previous owner had left us a Billy the Big Mouthed Bass hanging on the wall of the sunroom. You know, that fish that sings? I think I'll be going a different direction with my decor LOL!We just had a Harley rally here. Lots of bikes and people, but non problems. It looked like they were all having fun. I posted a collage I made on my FB page. Your grands are certainly a beautiful bunch and I'm sure they bring much joy to you and John! Hope that their love and encouragement help him to heal. Prayers continue! Love and Hugs, Leena

Gypsy Heart said...

Poor John! His neck looks so painful. I'm sorry he still cannot swallow solids...hopefully that will happen soon! You both remain in my prayers.

I have to say, the grands are all totally adorable!! Beautiful girls, including that precious "dirty" one! :) The boys are quite handsome and I can only imagine how great they're all going to look as they grow older. I'm so glad Mindi could come and visit!

Hoping you have a fun weekend!

Much love my friend,
xoxo
Pat

Terra said...

Your sweetie's neck looks tender and raw and that is a hard part of the treatment and healing process. Rough times though. I am praying that his neck heals from this redness and that he has complete healing. Your sense of silliness is a big plus at this time.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

You have such talented and beautiful grandchildren. I am so sorry your hero is suffering so. The unfortunate side effects of radiation does burn and take away the taste. I hope in time, he will heal and begin to feel like himself again. Prayers and healing thoughts. Xo

Dewena said...

I saw this on my sweet daddy's neck when he underwent radiation for throat cancer, he was a brave brave man who determinedly went through it all with courage and beat it. He finally was able to eat foods again if they were the right texture and we all looked for tasty foods he would like that went down easily.

Your grands were all born with the faces and personalities that talent scouts search for so hold on tight to them! Have a grand family Memorial Weekend celebration,
Dewena

Petie said...

Nothing better then spending the weekend with monkeys. Your grandkids (monkeys) are beautiful.

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

Oh, poor John, he's been through so much, as have you! I hope this weekend brings both of you some much needed fun and laughter! Xo

Boopnut said...

What would the kids do without their grandpa and what would you do without him? John's not done yet! So blessed to have the grands!
Deb

vivian said...

Enjoy your weekend with your family! I know you will. sending up prayers for your hubby this morning! that neck looks painful. you have a great sense of humor, which is the best way to get through many trials!
Hugs to you!
and happy holiday weekend
xoxo
vivian

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Diana, have a wonderful weekend. Your whole family is lovely. I do know the skit from Saturday Night Live. There's also some sort of thing (not S.N.L.) about asking, "Will it blend?" about a powerful blender and people put all sorts of things in it and see if they will blend. (My husband likes to quote this). I hope that eating and sleeping will soon be possible for your Hero, for him to get back to the "normal" things in life that the rest of us take for granted. -Jenn

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Diana have a wonderful weekend with your beautiful family! :)

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Oh I'm glad you'll be surrounded by family! I'm sure you'll be a bit exhausted but that's a good reason to be exhausted! Looking at John's neck hurts. I hope this phase of swallowing will improve and that he'll learn to adjust to things not tasting good. Congratulations to LuLu on graduating from 8th grade. Gee we never had ceremonies for that in my day! LOl on the Bass-o-Matic- it sounds perfectly awful to me!! Glad to know your hero still has something useful to offer! P.S. don't get any play arrow sets for the kids!
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

It is good to hear that there has been improvement in your husbands health. Have a wonderful weekend with your beautiful family.

Anonymous said...

ahhhh bless him ,,, he has a wonderful family to support him, a beautiful family, have the best weekend,,

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Your grandchildren are so beautiful! I am still praying for his recovery. :)
Have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Memorial Day. :)

Chatty Crone said...

My hubs has one of those mixers too! Your husband is a great sport to let you do all that to him. Congrats to your beautiful 8th grader! And to sing solos is amazing. You have a ton of talent in your family. Also a lot of great beauty! I hope hubs continues to get better and you enjoy those salads!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Awww Diana, prayers are with BOTH of you. Thank you for your updated post and for your dear, sweet humor. Your Lulu is a beauty and those sparkling eyes show how sweet she is. Have fun with your daughter and all those precious, cute kiddos. God bless you all on this Memorial Day weekend.

a writing place said...

Wow! Graduating 8th Grade!!!!!! Those little "kiddo's" are getting big! :-)

And with this company, it will be an eventful Holdiay!!!!!!! -grinnnnn- Just give 'em trees and something to scream about, and you have it covered. >,-))))

Poor John! What an uncomfortable, to say the very least, result. Hope with the liquid diet, he is putting on some weight though.

That no cooking sounds like you could get used to it! ,-))))) But! Just salad or ice cream, is not a rounded diet for you my Dear.

{Wow! She never can go one single comment, with out some sort of "Nosy Nelly" advice, can she???? Nope!!!!! >,-))))) }

Have a safe and lovely weekend!
Tessa

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Diana, Congrats to your beautiful grand as she graduates and sings. WOW what an honor and I know you are all so proud of her. Sweet Cheeks has really grown up too. Look how cute she is and the trio from Indy are adorable.
Poor John, I hope as time goes on, the soreness and redness subsides and he is able to eat solid food again. The prayers continue! Wishing you and your sweet family a great Memorial Day weekend.
Hugs and Blessings xo

Debby said...

You have the most beautiful and talented grandchildren. I mean it has to take a lot of talent to get that dirty. It wouldn't be near that funny in play clothes. I'm sure they will have you in stitches this weekend.
His neck looks so sore. No wonder he can't swallow. Maybe he will try to get the ice cream soon. Do you have a Whit's Custard there. It would trick those taste buds. I know ice cream is not a good idea.
Glad to see your humor back. I could read much on that machine before breakfast.
Sending you a message.
Xo

Launna said...

Diane, I hope John feels better soon, I feel for him, it looks awful what he has to deal with :(

Your grandchildren are so talented that is wonderful ... xox Enjoy that bowl of salad aka ice cream xox

NanaNor's said...

Hi Diana, Your hubby has certainly had his fair share of issues-not eating, oh my! Lifting him up right now, may our Healing Father touch his throat and neck today. Love your grands, amazing how quickly they grow up. I pray you have a wonderful weekend dear friend!
Hugs,
Noreen

Simply LKJ said...

Continuing to pray for John and his healing. Enjoy your weekend with all those precious grandbabies!!

LV said...

Between the good Lord and your wonderful,loving family, everything will be okay. I truly enjoy seeing the little ones, and adore that dirty child. HANG IN.

tammy j said...

LOLOL!
and a perfect purpose it is.
XO♥

Alex said...

Such lovely grandkids, full of joie de vivre! You must be so proud of them. So glad to see your hubby at home, even if he has to rest a good deal, he's where he should be and that's wonderful.

Susie said...

Diana, I have to say the apples didn't fall far from the tree...those grandgirls using papaw's head for a pear plate.LOL...Looks like something you would do. :) Those boys are growing up, well all of your beautiful grandchildren are growing up, way too fast. Lulu is a pretty girl. So glad you are all going to be together this weekend. Tell John he is never useless. God is using him now. God knows John's heart is faithful. Hug him for us. Blessings to all of you. Love, xoxo, Susie

Down On The Farm said...

One day at a time . . . . even small improvement is improvement. I am believing for healing in Jesus name! Blessings my friend. May you have a wonderfully peaceful weekend!

Art and Sand said...

I want a screamer! Really I just want a little grand that adorable!


Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

Karen@Southern Gal Meets Midwest said...

Lulu is just beautiful...all your grandkids are!! My 14 year old son is also graduating from 8th grade. He is the youngest so it's hard to accept that high school is just around the corner. Glad your hero is getting some much needed rest...LOL!
Happy Memorial Day :)

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful Memorial Day with family.

Linda said...

I'm so glad you can still look on the bright side.............there is always one, even if it is not very bright. Your granddaughter is beautiful and I am sure she has a beautiful voice too. I sure pray that your hero gets back to his old self soon!!!

Nellie said...

Sending you the best of Memorial Day wishes, Diana! Exciting family times for you this week-end! Thinking about John and sending prayers for his complete recovery! - xo Nellie

Jill said...

I love the last photo so much! It's the little things that bring so much joy :-) Continuing to pray... have a wonderful weekend with your family!

Many Blessings,
Jill

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Your sense of humor is what's getting him through, I'm sure. :-) Happy, healing, peaceful family filled weekend to you all -

Pam Kessler said...

OK, the neck doesn't look half as bad as I imagined. Just looks like he has been suntanning on the sun for a few days. Using baby oil. Have fun with your company this weekend and grind up a bratwurst in the blender for John!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Diana,
You have such a beautiful family and I know that you are all supporting John and doing all you can to make him comfortable. God Bless you sweet Girl.

hugs
Sissie

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

OH Diana - a Bass o magic would be a lovely gift, lol! Congrats to your sweet granddaughter and I hope you enjoy your time with your precious - and growing up too fast - family. Jane

Curtains in My Tree said...

Your Grandchildren area all adorable especially dirty girl LOL

Poor John I sometimes think doctors just over do the treatments?
I sure hope it's a wonderful time for you all this weekend
My kids are gone on a trip so plan on getting projects done, otherwise I would be at their house for weekend playing with the 4 boys


Anonymous said...

Praying for John to continue to heal and that the recovery comes soon for him. I think considering all his throat as been through, the photo of his neck looks really good. I know it has been so painful but it does look like it is healing now. So glad for all of you. I will continue to pray for his swallowing ability to become normal again. May the next days be full of healing. Many blessings.

Lulu is so lovely... congratulations to her for all of her accomplishments.

Have a wonderful time with your family this weekend!

Love,
Lily

Carla from The River said...

XX OO
Love to you and thank you for the update.
Carla

Kim said...

SO glad to hear that John is doing well, Diana. Congrats to you and your lovely granddaughter. High school is around the corner, huh? She is going to have a ball!! I hope your weekend is fun and filled with family and food!! ;) xoxox

Grammy Goodwill said...

I think John's neck looks fine and would only look better if your arms were wrapped around it.
You sure have good-looking grandkids. Talented, too. They are such blessings.
Happy Memorial Day to you, too.

Candy S said...

I love that dirty little dress, it is a true sign that a child was at play. Children are such a pleasure. God bless you and your wonderful family. Have a Happy memorial day.

Brenda Pruitt said...

You are most assuredly a rock in your family. You hold it all together with fun and love.
Brenda

Nonnie said...

All your grands are beautiful and what a blessing to be chosen to sing solo. You have to be so proud of every one of them. Even the dirty one and the screamer. Your husband's neck looks very raw and painful. Praying for all that to heal up and him to be able to eat and enjoy life without so much pain. He's such a good sport.

"Cottage By The Sea" said...

Oh Diana, you have the most beautiful grandchildren. Still praying for your hubby. What a trial he must endure, and you as well. All good thoughts and energy your way!

Karen said...

I appreciate your sense of humor, but I may not be ordering the Basso-matic LOL! I am thankful your hubby is getting some rest, even a few hours at a time. It would be bad not to be able to eat. I know your family will enjoy the weekend get together. Have a great time.

amazingsusan said...

Love them pink boots on the dirty screamin' girl who is not doubt destined to be an amazing woman #justsaying :P

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

Have a wonderful Memorial Weekend with all your family. You have been in the Lions Den for quite a few months....time to escape and enjoy.

Linda said...

Your family is so lucky to have you and your hubby❣Linda@Wetcreek Blog

Merlesworld said...

Glad to hear he is improving.
Merle...............

Rose L said...

Lulu is so lovely! She definitely will turn heads! We need more tree huggers in this world!
I am glad John is coming along slow and steady.

Lorrie said...

A lovely post, Diana. Your grandchildren are beautiful and so much fun. I'm glad to hear that John is slowly improving. Happy Memorial Day.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Such a beautiful family, Diana! You must be so proud of sweet Lulu. So glad to hear that John is improving and feeling a bit more energy. The bass-o-matic would make the perfect Father's Day gift. Bleck! Sending hugs x Karen

Thistle Cove Farm said...

now why am I thinking about William Tell?
lol

Kelly said...

Hello Diana! Sounds like you'll have plenty of stories to share after Memorial Day with all the grands about! Congrats, on Lulu's graduation and singing! Prayers continue for your Hero's strength, while he heals! Enjoy all your Blessings and be well dear friend! <3 I am still a grinning over your bringing up the Bass-O-Matic!!! LOL!! ; )

Donna said...

So glad John is progressing...hopefully he will be able to eat (and taste) food before too long. Congratulations to Lulu on her graduation and her beautiful singing. All your grands are just adorable, yes the boys too! Enjoy your weekend. We will not venture out tomorrow as we live off a rain road to the track. xoxo

Debbie said...

Thank the Lord you have those little beauties to keep smiles on your faces, Diana. God sure knew what He was doing when He gave all those grandbabies to you and John. Praying for improvements.
Love to you.
Debbie
xo

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

Your grandkids are gorgeous...even the dirty one! It must be so hard on John that he's progressing at such a slow rate. I hope he continues to feel better and you all have a nice memorial weekend. thanks to our soldiers who died for us to have freedom!

Junkchiccottage said...

Hello my friend. I always love seeing your beautiful grand loves. Every single one of them is so beautiful and talented. You are so blessed with this crew! Glad John is doing better. It will just take time with all he has been through. Sending healing hugs.
Kris

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Congrats, Lulu! Wishing you a fun filled weekend with family. :)

Bethany Carson said...

Lulu is beautiful! Congrats to her on graduating 8th grade! Your other grandchildren are all adorable as well. Hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend! Take care!

Teresa@magazineyourhome said...

Happy to hear things are getting better for John, your grands are just beautiful and I can tell they are FULL of personality! You are so blessed to have them near you.

BeachGypsy said...

Congratulations sweet and pretty Lulu!! Enjoy the family time yall!!

Nicole said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Sylvia said...

Just stopping by to check up on you today,Diana. Love the photo of Lulu, she is so beautiful!
It does take time for John to improve, keep smiling and keep him laughing. My hubby still has some trouble eating, he has to take small bites and eat slow, and June will be 2 years since his Chemo and radiation. He loves spicy foods but can't eat them since they burn his throat.The day will come when it will be over, keep looking upwards my friend.
Enjoy each day, they are a blessing.
Hugs,Sylvia

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Oh, Diana, I am late coming to this post. I was laughing so hard that it took a long time to get here. Let me say how wonderful and beautiful your grands are, and I think YourHero's purpose will get him through all of this..Happy Tuesday..xxo Judy

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Sounds like lots of life going on there, Diana! Grandchildren do make things better and bring love and laughter! Glad you are keeping your wonderful sense of humor! Keeping you and John in my prayers!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

What a special post Diana! It just made my heart so happy for you, to have the out of town grands to be with you to celebrate Lulu! And those two are always up to tricks, so funny! Hope you had a blessed and wonderful Memorial Day and will continue to pray for John that healing for his neck takes place quickly!!!!

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

So glad to hear that John is improving day by day, and that you had a house full of family for Memorial Day. The "dirty girl" photo is the cutest thing ever! I do remember that bass-o-matic skit -hilarious!

Anonymous said...

The burn from radiation looks so uncomfortable, Sweet D. I send hugs and prayers for your losses and for your Hero's healing. How about a few Hallelujas for those beautiful grandchildren! Gosh. They are growing up fast, just like like ours! ( I was not yet a grandmother when you and I met. Holland will be 5 this month!
w/L