Joy comes in the morning

Reeta Gayle Tullos

This weekend has been long and emotion filled. Wednesday, June 24, 2009 around 1:00pm my great Aunt Reeta Gayle Tullos passed away and joined the Father. October of 2008 she was diagnosed with ALZ. A diagnosis that was probably close as can be, but my family is unsure of when she actually started having symptoms of this disease. Reeta seemed to progress rapidly. The last 5 or 6 weeks of her life with stable. She was very enjoyable and manageable. The Thursday before her death, Reeta fell while at my grandparents house and hit her head. It split it from front to back. She was rushed to Natchitoches ER and from there was airlifted to LSU-S for emergency surgery on her brian. She had bleeding on her brian. The thing that is thought to have ended it all, was her lungs. One thing Reeta liked was her cigerattes. The fact that she smoked for years on end and very heavily, her lungs were not able to hold up. Before she was taking to the Natchitoches hospital, I was told that she went around to each person and kissed them on the lips and told them that she loved them. Almost as if she knew she would be leaving her earthly family and joining in the eternal family. Even though it was a hard part of life to under take today, it was one, that in the long end brings less suffering.

Family reunions are not often thought of as coming during a time of family funerals and memorial services. The weekend was made nice by being able to see family from all over the U.S. My brother, Dan, who lives in Sarasota flew in. My aunt Donna Gayle who lives in Ponte Vedra, FL flew in, and my uncle Bill who lives in Austin, TX came in. An old family friend and past "Aunt Ann" was also in from Austin, TX. It's not often that all 6 of Dad and Ruth's children are together under one roof, so when it does occur we take every advantage of pictures. Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend.

Robertson-Rush-Harris Family

(missing Cady & Keri Harris)

Robertson-Rush-Harris-Haymon Family

Anniversary and Joining with the Father

This week has been a really long, at least it seems. It started out by heading out the Quick Care after work on Monday only to find that what I thought was allergies and congestion, is really Bronchitis! Oh the joy of coughing and hacking. . . So 2 shots later, working on a Z-Pack and wonderful supped up cough medicine for nighttime, I am slowing getting better. Attempted to play some tennis last night but didn't do much due to not feeling too good.

That brings us to Wednesday, my wonderful 3 year wedding anniversary! Oh the memories that flood my mind to where we were 3 years ago today! Such joy and bliss. An old pastor friend of mine called yesterday to wish congrats and to remind me "that if the bride would have been any happier they would have had to nail her to the ground!" And the bride is still happy to this day, I am happy to report.

But one of the sad moments of the day is that my great aunt Reeta Gayle passed away today. She has been ALZ since October. This disease can hit slow and long or it can hit hard and fast. Hard and fast is how it went for Reeta Gayle. It's all sort of been a whirl wind to say the least. One minute she was fine and the next she was talking out of her mind and completely gone. She could remember who I was and Craig, but she couldn't remember that since I am married that means I can't date anyone else. This past Friday night she fell and hit her head and has since been in and out of consciousness. Our family all sort of thought the end of her life was nearing but nobody really wanting to admit it or face reality. Such sweet sorrow. Hate to see her go home to the Lord, but glad to know she is not suffering any longer. The pain comes from those it leaves behind. My grandmother is now the only living Tullos left. Oh how I know Mimi Dot will miss her dear sweet sister, but at the same time is at peace with knowing life can resume after being detoured since October.

Special memories of Reeta. . . Smart as a whip. She was a physical therapist and loved her career. Smart with her money, and crafty with her hands. She could take a block of wood and whittle it into a beautiful masterpiece. I am very happy to say that I have a carving that is suppose to be me as a ballerina and one of peter pan flying. The last piece she carved was the Fleur De Lis that is on my dad's front door. What a true symbolism of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which for believers, is the last resting place. Reeta was never boastful in her faith, but solid in her being. When she first became sick she also resorted back to the cross. She was say, let me tell you about the cross. . . And continue on and on. This for me is and was the first time I remember talking to Reeta about the cross. I believe she was at peace in her relationship with the Lord. I believe she is dancing in heaven with B.A., her brother, and they are staring down to see Mimi Dot and the rest of us. And I know that one day, I too, will be able to join in the rejoicing and singing of the heavenly Father.

Long Time No Post

I can't even begin to express how the past 5 months have flown by.

EG just turned 5 months old. Sweet girl is cutting her 2 lower teeth, I could give you teeth numbers but I'll save you from the dental geek inside me and save myself in the process.

Craig is in the heat of spring semester which entails Greek 104 with Only 1 more to go! Hebrew will be starting this summer.

E is growing up by the seconds. I can't en begin to wrap my mind around the fact that he will be 3 this summer. He is still ever so in love with trucks, cars,and trains and if you dare to get rid of one he will remind you of it's exact details and where it should be. The memory on that boy.

I have been working like a mad woman, but loving every minute of it. We have had the blessing of an in house nanny for the past four months. Without her I'm not too sure my world would have functioned. And with that being said, we learned this week that she will be leaving us in May to start on a new adventure that will be an experience of a lifetime. She will be joining the Mickey Mouse team for a 6 month to year long internship. What fun!!! We wish Maggie the best and know that Disney has a great thing a coming.

Without boring you with all the sobering in depth details of the last four months let me just end this post with some fun pictures that I have happen to catch in the midst of life! Enjoy.




EG and her cereal for the 2nd time.




Dr. Seuss is beComing a favorite in our home.




Easter at Leigh-Leigh's




Fun mud splashing with Dub. Boys will be boys, especially with Papa T.




While the boys played in mud, the girls showed their tummy time skills.




Here's an after of E!











My Easter bunnies!!




This picture I will cherish for a lifetime. This is my papa Russell, who just a month ago we weren't sure he would live to see another day. And Praise The Lord, here he is Easter 2013 holding my sweet EG. I have a picture of he and I like this when I was about her age. Precious moments that will last a lifetime.




This is Mimi Wilma with 2 of her great granddaughters, EG and Lyla. This is my brothers daughter who is just about 2 months younger than EG. Sweet friends I pray they will become.




E and my uncle Dale at the stockyards in Fort Worth. We have had the pleasure of Pappy coming to play a lot lately and have enjoyed some fun outings in the process. Pappy and E met Dale (pappy's brother) at te stockyards and did the whole shebang.




And last but certainly not least, Zsa Zsa on Easter with her two girls, EG & Lyla

Spring, Summer, and Time Off from Work

Whoa! Man never did I think I would be saying what am I am going to do with some time off from work. Well, the time has actually come. My birthday is next week and at PTD your birthday is considered a "Paid Holiday"!!!!! Thanks Dr Jesse! So, That makes for a 5 day weekend for me. I am off on Friday, then I took a personal day on Monday and then big old 28 roles around on the 12th! SO what to do? Craig and I have tossed around the idea of staying in town and sodding the yard, which really needs it, or taking a road trip and traveling to see my Uncle Bill who has in the past year moved back to Austin! Decisions decisions! Well, I am out for the night. I'll let you know the outcome once we have decided!

National Childrens' Dental Hygiene Month

Where has this month gone. It seemed like just yesterday we were starting a new year, and now March is right around the corner. Several things have occurred. I visited several schools and read to the classes regarding teeth. Feb. Is National Childrens' Dental Hygiene month. The kids love to have someone come in their class room with a large set of teeth and go over brushing and flossing and healthy snacks! I found this adorable book at LPL about a little boy who has a sweet tooth and the tooth controls his life. . . until one day, Stewart decides to pull the sweet tooth! Here are a couple of pictures from 2 of the class rooms I visited.

My sister-in-law teaches Pre-K at FBC Natchitoches. Here little kiddos are adorable. Their minds are so eager to learn and soak in so much information. Here are a couple of pictures taken in Natchitoches.


Anna Catherine's class has "Mystery Readers" every Friday. The teacher has the class put their heads down on their tables and then the reader joins the classroom and she has the kids raise their heads and asks for anyone to raise their hands if they know who the reader is. Then the child comes to the front and introduces their reader. Anna was so surprised to see me she forgot to raise her hand and just started getting out of her chair!

Anna & I named her set of teeth "Mr. Ed" from the old TV show with the talking horse. She has been surrounded with dental stuff almost her entire life. I was in hygiene school when she was just 3 years old. So naturally she is the best person to teach her peers the proper way to brush away all the "Sugar Bugs" from their teeth.

Oh the Joy of Sunday mornings . . .

So it's about 10:00 on Sunday morning and yes I am still in my Pj's playing on the computer. No Craig and I have not turned into heathens, we just don't have to be at church until 10:45. It's been a couple of months since we started going to CCC and I think it is finally sinking in to a routine of some form. Since Craig works all the time, Sundays are our only time to really catch up and enjoy each other. I am sitting her drinking a nice cup of joe and about to get ready while he is reading and relaxing on not having to run on a schedule. Valentine's Day was nice. He had to work and I was busy with Dr's with a Heart. This is a total day of service to the community that PEach Tree started last year. We offer free extractions, cleanings, and fillings to the first 100 patients. What a joy it is to see their faces light up when they know they have made the cut but also to have relief from pain. My heart is into medical missions, but right now the Lord has called us to the states. Maybe I will be able to take some short time missions in the near future.

Anywho, this week poses to be as busy as the past. With work, small group service, I am reading to over a hundred children in a matter of 2 days, and then heading to the big BR to visit and catch up with some good friends!!!! Oh the joy of Sundays, hope everyone else enjoys the day of rest and the day of the Lord!

Till next time. . . have fun!

Market We Go!

I am really excited about what this weekend holds! With Craig's job he travels to various markets throughout the year. I, just so happen, to have the pleasure of joining him "on the job" this trip! Tomorrow morning we are headed to Tupelo, MS to buy artwork and furniture! I am really excited to see for myself just how extravagant these events can be. Craig says that they do their best to wine and dine you and catar to your needs while you are in their showrooms! More than getting to go to market, I am really excited about spending the entire weekend with my hubby! One on one. Fun time together. Even though on work, it is away from the store, and this is always a great thing!

This week we attended our first small group meeting. Several weeks ago we started attending Christ Community Church and have been taking our time with plugging into a small group! We were a little hesitant on finding a group of young marrieds that share in the same things in life.

Sorry a short post but I must get to packing! Oh and checking the weather to see just what to pack in the first place! Have a wonderful weekend!

2005 Honda Civic FOR SALE

Ok, so here's the deal pickle! Back in June Craig bought me a Tahoe because he couldn't fit into my Honda Civic! So, that leaves old Pearl, sittting in my driveway taking up space! READY FOR A NEW HOME! All the stats are listed below. Asking price is $10,000 but will take the BEST OFFER! If you know of anyone that is looking to buy a great car please let me know! We can talk about the price and details in greater depth!

Just give a call if anyone has any questions! 773-5666

One Owner Vehicle. Used to drive back and forth to work in Shreveport, LA. All interstate miles. White Exterior with tan cloth interior. Owner upgrading, mint condition. Great student vehicle!

Mileage: 76,600
Engine: 4-Cyl.
1.7L VTEC
Transmission: Automatic
Drivetrain: FWD
Air Conditioning
Tilt Wheel
Dual Front Air Bags
Power Steering
Cruise Control
ABS (4-Wheel)
Power Windows
AM/FM Stereo
Alloy Wheels
Power Door Locks
Single Compact Disc
Sunroof

New Beginnings

A new year, with new adventures. 2008 ended with lots of food, family, and fun! The last couple of weeks of the year, I learned that I had a week of vacation that I had not taken. Guess I knew it, but just haven't used it. So, The week before Christmas, I took 2 days off. The week of Christmas I worked Monday and Tuesday, and the week after Christmas I work Monday and Tuesday! I was great, staying up late, sleeping in late. Getting to hang around the house without a thing to do. Craig and I headed to Natchitoches Christmas Eve to spend with my mother's family. This is a family tradition to do Eve with her family. After that, we headed to my dad's house to spend the night. We took our girls with us. What fun to see 4 doggies in the backyard playing like crazy! Apparently, Anna Catherine was up and going around 7am Christmas morning, and by 7:30 she was in our room telling us to get up, Santa had arrived! We spent the day at my dad's house hanging out and playing the Wii that Santa has brought!

That Friday, Craig and I and the girls headed back to Ruston to unload get some sleep and head out the next day to S'port to spend the evening with Dan and the rest of the Holman crew. We had dinner with Lindsay and John, uncle Dale, Dan, mom, and Big Ed. Wonderful steaks and the such. Great way to end to Dan's trip home for Christmas.

Sunday morning Craig and I woke up and went to FB Bossier for church. The service was wonderful and uplifting. It has been a long time since I have been to a service where I felt like I was able to feel the spirit and worship the Lord freely. For the past several months Craig and I have been praying about switching churches. Under the Lord's guidance, we have finally made the decision to leave the church that we have been very active in for the past 2 and half years. This has been a really hard decision for the both of us. We have made several friends and I have grown very close to several ladies through the Beth Moore studies I have done. But the Lord is good and just because we have left this church doesn't necessarily mean that the friendship will die. We are very excited about what the Lord has in store for this year. Not only through a new church body, but with what he has to teach us.

Anywho, when Craig and I returned home Sunday afternoon, we were surprised to see the gate to our fence wide open and no girls anywhere in sight. The neighbor's had a dog sitter and he said they had been playing around the neighborhood but by this point no where in sight. I drive up the road and find Bella, Abby, and our other neighbor's dog Harley walking along side totally covered with mudd and soaking wet. How they got out is a mystery. What I think happened is that Bella jumped up and her head it the latch to the gate and it opened! All in all, they are ok and alive that is all the matters! But you talk about making your heart race. I can't even imagine what it will be like when we have children. I have been thinking of new things to set in place for 2009. One being back to eating healthy. Another exercising on a regular basis, and third seeking the Lord with what He has in store for us this year. We are praying through the idea of trying to make a trip to Africa. One of my heart's desires is to have the opportunity to serve through medical missions in Africa, or where ever the Lord leads.

Craig went to the Sugar Bowl with his dad to see Alabama get stomped! Needless to say the fans showed up but the BAMA TIDE didn't! Next year we will be at the National Championship! I can feel it! ROLL TIDE!

This blog is all over the place. I have to say that at one moment in my life I use to be very good at making posts and sharing what is happening in life, but since not doing it for such a long time it is taking a little time to work out the kinks. Bare with me as I get back into thist stuff!

Good night to all! And happy 2009!