Katie's 1st Birthday

Where has the time gone? It's been a year now since our precious grand daughter Katie Lynn Reed was born. Our lives have forever been changed by her birth. I know for myself, that change has been for the better. My health has improved by her. Not sure if it's just the way I look at life again or the plain and simple fact that you have to be in good health to have fun with your grand children. Either way, it's been a true blessing for us.

Her 1st taste of birthday cake! She didn't really eat that much cake, but she sure did enjoy the icing. She continued to try to suck on her fingers to get all the icing off. Needless to say she was running on GO about an hour later! ha!

You can't go wrong with a Winne the Pooh birthday cake.

She didn't want to get into the cake, she only wanted to get Winnie the Pooh off the top!

I hope you all have enjoyed this first year of Katie's life. I know Jeff & I have!! She's such a joy to be with. She is a very happy baby. She doesn't mind playing alone. She wakes up very happy every morning and during the overnight stay with Papaw and myself I often hear her on the monitor talking and laughing. She makes one realize just how beautiful the World can be and just how blessed we all are. We all have so very much to be Thankful for.

Jeff & I hope you will continue to follow Katie in the years to come. Before you know it she will be a teenager, driving and dating. I think her Papaw is going to have something to say about the dating part! ha! Talk about having someone wrapped tightly wrapped around a little finger. That's where Papaw is wrapped...right around Katie's little finger!!! It's just so precious to see the two of them together.

May the up and coming year bring happiness and good health to everyone!

The Brown Blog: Best picture ever

The Brown Blog: Best picture ever

NOVEMBER ALREADY???

You know the old saying, "Time flys when your having fun"? Well, I know October has come and gone, but the fun part I guess someone forgot to include me! ha! Jeff & I had Katie Bug a couple of times in October and of course we enjoy each and everytime we have her. She's such a wonderful and happy child.


I have started back to Church and it feels great to be involved again. Sunday School is wonderful and full of fellowship and worship. I have renewed my commitment to God and it has made both of us very happy. It's been a while since I was really committed to God and His words, but I know I have not traveled alone despite our relationship. He has carried me through some tough times in the past 2 years and I guess it's taken a lot for me to realize once again that He loves me!

My most recent journey began just a few days ago when I was admitted into the hospital for a micro-discectomy on my Thoracic Spine. A herniated disc was pressing against my spinal cord. I thanked God for my doctor and for guiding his hands to perform the procedure and for allowing me to come through okay. Even though the pain was signiagant after waking, the pain has turned to sorerness. The pain I had, that was caused by the herniated disc, is gone. I am so thankful for that and I am now on the road to recovery from my surgery.

October 4th Katie Bug and myself went to Papa Jerry and Nana's home for Papa Jerry's 70th birthday party. Nana prepared a wonderful meal and we all had cake and made new memories. It was a fun time, despite Jeff not being able to make it. Jeff, at the time, was working 12 hour shifts and could not get off work to attend with us.

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY DAD!!


Jeff & I made a trip to Carrollton to visit with Jody and Janell and those precious twins, Alex and Addison. While Alex and Addison took their afternoon naps, Uncle Jeff & I put together a swing set we had traveled to Carrollton with. The look on those kids faces when they say their very own swing set in their very own backyard was priceless. Addison hollared with excitement and Alex just chilled out while sitting in his big boy swing! It was an awesome sight and a memory we will always have.

Jeff & I stayed overnight in Carrollton. Got up the next morning and went to visit Mama at the nursing home facility she was moved to shortly after she fell and broke her hip. What a joy and blessing she is. At 98 years young she is a remarkable woman, still full of so much life. Our visit lasted about an hour and that visit was with Mama doing most of the talking. Just remarkable!!! The following week her daughters, Janice and Joanne moved her back to her apartment! Now that shows me just how determined this woman is to be back home where she knows she belongs.

Halloween for Alex and Addison! The pictures speak for themselves. They were Raggidy Ann and Andy. How precious!! I haven't talked to Janell to see how they did with the trick or treating, but I know they had fun. Those two always have fun!!

We so enjoyed our short visit with this precious family. Janelle, all I can say is you are a super Mom!! I don't know how you do it, but you do. I can't say I would or could handle it the way you do. You and Jody are both wonderful Christian parents and these precious little people are so blessed for that. I am blessed for having all of you in my life!



This is Katie Bug at Papa Jerry's party! She is showing off for Nana. The highchair she is sitting in belongs to her Great Uncle Jody. Yep, that's right! Great Uncle Jody!! Don't that make you feel old?? ha!!

Katie will turn 1 year old on November 20th. Hard to believe it's been a year. We are celebrating her 1st birthday at her Uncle Danny & Aunt Amy's home on the 22nd of November. I am sure I will have many many pictures of the event.

I pray that each of you are doing well and everyone is well. We all have so much to be thankful for!

September at a Glance

Wow! Hard to believe that October is here and September is now a thing of the past. What a September it was for me. It started with Doctor appointments and yes, it ended the same way. I have even started October off in fine fashion with the Doctors as well. I really don't know what I would do with myself if I didn't have Doctor appointments to keep up with. A visit here, a test there...someone please stop this ride so I can get off!!!

I still struggle each and every day with pain. On a scale of 1-10 on a good day it's 7 and on my bad day's it tops the scale out at 10+. I get by though with the help of my wonderful husband. He does everything that I can't do and doesn't complain about it. He is working really hard so that we can keep our bills paid, since I am no longer working.

My Mother in Law (Mom) is also a God's send. She has been there for me when I needed someone to drive me and has been there for me when I just needed someone to talk to. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

The beginning of September was really hard for me. It started with a change in my pain medication, which I started on the 6th of Septmeber. I was switched to Tramadol. This made me very sick at my stomach so much to the point that I was unable to take my daily medications for my Fibromyalgia and back pain. Sunday night as I laid in bed, I began to sweat and have chills. Little did I know but I was starting to go through withdrawals. Monday was just horrible. Jeff took off work to take care of me since I was feeling so very badly. I didn't know what was happening to me. I just knew this wasn't normal and I was going to need some help. Tuesday was even worse. I was becoming confused and thought I was seeing things that wasn't really there. Jeff called and got me in to see my PCP. They gave me stuff to settle my stomach and I was able to begin my daily meds again on that Wednesday. If that is what true withdrawals are like, I really feel for the people that are hooked on medication and having to come off of them. It was one of the most horrible experience I have ever gone through. Would rather go through childbirth than that again.

Then IKE came rolling through in all it's Glory. Me and my two little boys (doggies) curled up tight together and rode the storm out. Jeff had been called to work in case problems arose at the plant. We were very blessed! We only lost power for about 3 hours and no damage to the house or outter buildings. No trees down and no huge limbs either. Sure was glad to see that thing move out of here. Anytime there are changes in the weather like that my Fibromyalgia goes into "flares" where I just hurt and ache all over as if I had the flu. It's a horrible feeling and it happens a lot with change in the weather patterns. Just another one of those mysteries of Fibromyalgia.

I have had a visit with my Neurologist. He is still saying no work for me! I have several back issues on top of the fibro, so no work for me! I went to the Dentist on Monday the 29th to have a cavity filled and after it was filled he told me that I needed to see an Oral Surgeon. He said there was a white patch in the area where I had a tooth extracted several years ago. He said it could be nothing and probably is nothing, but wants it checked. So, the 30th I see the Oral Surgeon and he said he needed to do a biopsy. He said that I shouldn't lose any sleep over this because he has seen this a lot and it's nothing. So Thursday I went and had this thing cut out. I have 3 stitches in my gums. I didn't realize he was going to cut it all out. So, it's off to the lab and I should know something by Tuesday the 7th of October. The white patches were called Leukoplakia, which could be the beginning of Mouth Cancer. Since I smoke, they just wanted to make sure it's not. NO MORE CIGARETTES FOR ME!! DONE!! FINISHED!!

I also went Wednesday October 1st for yet another MRI, aka "tube of death". I have a herniated disc at T7/T8 and I have been having additional problems so just waiting on the Surgeons office to call to see if there are any changes. The herniation is pressing on my spinal cord, which scares me to death. I don't want surgery, but I don't want to hurt anymore either....just a lot of unknowns for me.

My dear sweet Father in Law turned 70 years young on October 1st. We are having a Birthday Party for him on Saturday the 4th. Jeff called me this morning and said he was not going to be able to make it. They are putting them on 12 hour shifts for an unspecified about of time. So, it's me, Mom, Dad and Jay! We will still have fun, just wished we were all together.

My grand daughter!! WOW!! How she has grown! She is 10 months old now and in to everything. I see that spit fire in her eyes like her Mama had as a child and I just laugh, cause Jennifer's going to have to deal with this one. ha!! Paying for her raising, as My Mom would always tell me. She is precious though and very loved by many.

These are my Morning Glory's that are in our back yard. I started them a couple of years ago and this year they have taken off....I love the deep purple color they display. There are even a few very light pink ones deep within the vines, but they are very hard to see.

I love each of you and I hope this brings you up to date on our family. I don't know what I would do without any of you in my life!!! May God Bless each of you!

Living with Fibromyalgia

I want to take this time to talk about my illness and how it has forever changed my life. The butterfly is the symbol for Fibromyalgia Awareness!

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, during the Fall of 2007, so I am fast approaching 1 year. This has been a very hard year for me as well as for the ones that I love and who love me.

I don't have the energy I use to have to do all the things that need to be done. I had to leave my job last year due to my illness and I have felt at times that I don't contribute to my family as I have in the past. Like I said, I don't have the energy! Somedays the fatigue is so severe that I could just lay in the floor and sleep for hours, however it's getting to the floor that is also a problem.

I am a member of an online support group on Yahoo and it has been a life saver for me at times. There I have met many people from all over the World and we have one thing in common, Fibromyalgia. We referr to Fibromyalgia as the Beast! There is a very sweet lady in the group who lives in Lufkin, which is only a short drive for me. I went and visited with her on day and she is such a joy. She still continues to work and has 2 kids who she just adores. I admire her so much because even on those days that it takes her 3 hours just to get to where she can walk and function she still goes into work as an RN. I am sharing the following letter that she has put togethter and shared with us Fibromites. I think it really hits on all of the aspects of how we feel and some of the things that we have to deal with daily. This doesn't mean that I feel the readers of my Blog think Fibromyalgia is not real. I just thought I would share this so that you would know and understand the hardship that is placed on many each day.

I am very fortunate to have a group of doctors who believe in Fibromyalgia, as most still don't. I am also very fortunate that I have a loving husband who has been there for me through it all and has been there to wipe my tears and tell me it's all going to be okay. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful support group of family and friends who have been with me at doctor appointments, test and have driven me where I needed to go on days that I had such a fear of driving. I love each of you so very much and I don't know what I would do without you! May God Bless each of you and may He continue to be with each of you. We are all so loved by our Lord and Savior!

You can also visit the following websites for more information regarding Fibromyalgia.

www.fmaware.org www.lyrica.com www.nfra.net www.fibromyalgia.com

The following is written by Debra V of Lufkin, Texas. I have her permission to post this to my blog.

I am a 44 year old registered nurse. I want to share a few things about my experience with fibromyalgia and add a few known facts about this illness. I never ever desired to become ill. I have always been a worker and have worked since the age of 18 years old. I use to consider myself healthy. I had the ambitions of becoming a nurse and fulfilled that ambition. It is not the easy way out to earn a degree. As a matter of fact many that enter nursing school fail or quit because of the constant stress and knowledge it requires to graduate. I graduated with a 3.8 GPA with honors in 1992. I went to work as a nurse and have continued until this day. (I tell you this because if you think that most of us are "do nothings" and are lazy or crazy... you are wrong). During my course of study, I never had the word "fibromyalgia" mentioned. It still falls short of the curriculum in most nursing schools now. However, the Medial Association has just recently added fibromyalgia to the medical school curriculum. So, I did not make this illness up and never just decided one day to become a lunatic or a lazy hypochondriac to "get out of life's" responsibilities. I also am NOT a druggie. I had ONE prescription drug until the age of 39 years old. This illness is very real. It is stigmatized worse than AIDS ever was. We (the approximately 10-15 million Americans with this illness) are laughed at, gossiped about, and are made the subject of skepticism. So, fibromyalgia would not be the diagnosis one would make up if they wanted any sympathy. Think to yourself...WOULD you want this diagnosis? I suspect not. Many of us affected by this illness would rather not even tell about it because we know that at least half the people we discuss this with will label us, ostracize us, doubt us, and just plain not believe us. I would make up something else if I wanted to lie about being ill. I would make up something that people would believe if it was all a big hoax. From a young age I noticed I required more sleep than others. I just brushed this off and paid no attention to it. I went to my doctor in my early twenties about "being tired" all the time. He just told me to "exercise more". I did that. It made no difference. (Tired has now progressed to chronic exhaustion). This illness was mild back then. I also developed numbness and tingling in my fingers that would come and go. I ignored this too. I would experience times when I would ache everywhere and would just say "I must have a virus". I never once thought I had a chronic life altering disease. This illness affects people in very different levels of severity. Mine progressed. They say it won't, but it does. In my late 30's while I was still working just like now, I became very ill with a flare. I had no idea what was going on. I felt like I was going to die. I had pain in my hands that lasted for about 4 weeks so severe I would cry. The numbness and tingling I had for years turned to burning pain. I was more than tired. "Tired" would not describe the exhaustion no matter how much I slept or how little I slept. My knees began to hurt to the point I could not get in and out of a tub without help. I was hurting all over to some extent. The stiffness of fibromyalgia also sat in about that time. Stiffness all over to the point I could not get out of bed without help. "Fibromyalgia" was a word I had NEVER heard. But I was diagnosed by my family practice physician a few weeks later. I am one of the lucky ones inthat I have a doctor who knows that fibromyalgia is real. Many suffer this without anyone to help them. I have never been the same since that flare that lasted about 6 weeks. I still work with much difficulty and have to support two young kids that came late in my life. Believe me, if I could quit work, I would. I push my body beyond its limits. I suffer pain now on some days that is probably equal to that of a cancer patient. I look like I have a hangover at work most days. (I do not drink). And believe me, these symptoms were all there before I ever went on any medication. The balance and coordination problems were there. The concentration problems were there. But without medication, I would not be able to work. Not because I enjoy paying for all the meds and doctor appointments out of pocket with no insurance. Not because I am "addicted" to pills. But if not for the medications, I would be bedbound now. The meds do not get me "high" and they actually help me to function with this disease. So, just because you cannot see this disease does not mean it is not real. Research is putting pieces of the puzzle together now. There are facts out there which are documented by research. The whole picture has not been put together yet. But it is a disease of the Central Nervous System. FIBROMYALGIA is REAL. Sleep studies show that fibromyalgia patients never reach the deepest level of sleep. Stage 4 sleep is absent. Studies also have shown images of the brain in people with this disease. Those images prove that even light touch or pressure on our body IS interpreted by the brain as PAIN. They have also proven by brain imaging that every stimulus such as light, sound, touch, and smell are magnified in people with fibromyalgia. It is described as the "volume being turned up" in our central nervous system. Studies also show that something called "substance P" in the spinal fluid is present in higher amounts than "normal" people. Substance P is a chemical that has to do with processing pain in the central nervous system. I would urge you to please, out of humanity, to read some facts about this illness before you assume your co-worker, friend, or family member is a hypochondriac. And please consider also that most of us do not fit the mold for being a liar or lazy. Many many of us have educations, have had or have businesses that are lucrative, and have worked all our lives. Many of us have burned the candle at both ends for years. We were not sitting on the couch eating bon bons. Also, many many I have talked to the past 5 years have lost homes, relationships, and careers because of fibromyalgia. None of us enjoy losing life as it once was so we can "make up" an illness that you cannot see but WE certainly can feel. I do not enjoy the inability to participate in my children's lives as they grow up. I have to stay home and rest while I miss countless activities in their lives due to severe pain and exhaustion. All I can do is work to make the living and come home and collapse most days. I do not enjoy handing all the resposibilities over to my husband because I am too damn sick to take care of my kids after working. I am not a hypochondriac, a liar, a "drug seeker", or an attention seeker. I am a victim of a disease called "fibromyalgia" . I get no sympathy. I carry the same load at work that any other nurse does. I get no assistance from the government and CANNOT even apply for disability. No one can apply for disability while they are requred to keep PUSHING their body to work. So what do I gain from this illness? Nothing but the risk of skepticism and redicule. Debra,R.N.

Has it been that long?

Wow! I see that my last blog was sated April 2008. I am so very sorry!! things have been up and down for this family, mainly me since April. Our precious grand daughter is fast approaching 9 months old and next March she will be greeted with a new baby brother or sister. katie Bug is not only crawling at the speed of light now, but she is pulling up on everthing she possibly can. When she is with me I have to baracade her from the kitchen and close all the doors in the hallway. She is just int everything and at times can be more than I can handle. I was just looking and I don't have any of her pictures uploaded to my computer so I am really behind on things.



Bubba and Amy's wedding was beautiful! It was set at a Country Club just South of Gladewater and was at pool side with the reception inside the club house. It was the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen. Amy left no detail out when it came to their wedding.



Bubba and Amy have purchased a home in Gladewater and have made many improvements since they bought it. It is a cute starter home and it's style is nothing but Country! You have got to love that!!

Jeff & I gave them 2 acres of land a couple of miles from here where they will someday build their dream home. A Satterwhite Log home that is just awesome. I know they will accomplish all they set out to do, they are so intune with each other and have so many of the same goals they want out of life. They are both hard workers and they scrafice to acheive their dreams.




This is the setting where they exchanged vows and rings and made their lives into one. Although it was a hot day, the air was filled with love and enthusiam. Over 200 people were there as they watched Bubba and Amy combine their lives and their families. Jeff & I just adore Amy's Mom and Dad. Her Mom works at the same school, where Amy teaches and her Dad is a retired police chief from Gladewater. They are just awesome Christian people.




Jennifer was the bridesmaid and she was just beautiful all dressed up! Bubba's Uncle Doyle was best man and you know, he cleans up pretty well!! ha!!! It was just a precious time and yes, I cried like a leakey water hose okay?? Not that there's anything wrong with that! I am just so thankful that they have found each other and their love is strong and I know it will help them to overcome any problems they may face in the future. It's so refreshing to see people in love. Bubba and Amy will be blessed with many years of happiness and Jeff & I will be blessed with more grandchildren. Don't you think they will ahve some beautiful children? Look at them, Bubba is so handsome and Amy is so beautiful!!

Amy is a first grade teacher at Gay Avenue in Gladewater and Bubba is still driving them big trucks and is hauling mud to oil rigs. He stays really busy and doesn't have much time off.


After the reception and the bouquet was tossed and the garder was thrown, Bubba and Amy headed to the mountains of Tennessee where they spent 7 days of happiness. They say it was beautiful there with cool nights and wonderful days. They brought back with them memories that will last a lifetime.


This is a picture of their entire wedding party. The two little flower girls are twin girls that Amy took care of while she worked at the daycare and last year during her first year of teaching she was blessed to have one of them in her class. They just think Ms. Amy hung the moon and they love Bubba as well.







Jennifer and Michael are living in Tyler now and have their own little home. Katie has her own room with Winnie the Pooh all over it and their bathroom is done with frogs! It's just a precious home and I am so proud of Michael and Jennifer. They are doing great with Katie and it shows, she is just a happy baby. Jennifer and Michael are expecting another child in late March or Early April. We are all so excited about the new addition to the family. Michael works with Apex and I believe they go out and test soil before any drilling or building is done on property. He has obtained his CDL license and is looking for a truck driving job to make a better life for his precious family.



Tomorrow all of us "girls" in this family are going out to eat! Yep, this town will never be the same again. It's myself, Donna, Pam, Shawn, Jennifer, Amy and her mom Nancy. We are all ganging up on Gladewater are are going out to eat and just have a pow wow of sorts!! You know, solve all the problems of the world in one sitting!! It's going to be great and I can not wait!


As for Jeff he is still with Delek Oil and Gas Refinery in Tyler where he works as an electircian. I hate him working there. Anything could happen at any moment. Last night, I found out they had an acid spill and the affects were felt through out the plant. It was inhaled my many including Jeff and he has complained with a sore throat. It's just a very danerous place to be at any given time. He is trying to move up in the company so he doesn't have to work as hard as he does. In June they sent him to West Virginia for 2 days to look at some equipment they may be purchasing. Jeff will be the one to hook it all up and ha to understand how it works inside and out. It's very stressful for him and for me since I worry like I do. This month they are sending to to Illinoise. There he will see another piece of wquipment and basically have to learn it inside and out. Jeff hates to fly and I hate him traveling but I guess it will all be okay. His work is helping to pay our bills.


I still suffer from Fibromyalgia everyday and somedays are worse than other. Everyday I have pain throughout my body, but I manage to make it through. I have been placed on Lyrica which is a God's send for me. I have missed only one dose of my meds and boy, did I pay for that. I hurt so bad all I wanted to do was lay in bed and cry because the pain was deep within me, almost down to the bones. I don't wish Fibromyalgia on anyone!! My last visit with my Neurologist was such a downer for me. When I made it back to my car I sat there and cried. I had asked him how much longer he felt it would be before I could return to work. He said, "No way, No how!" He told me that I needed to pursue my SSI benefits aggressibly and that he would do anything he possibly could to help me. He wrote a letter to Allsup, who is helping me obtain my benefits, and stated that I suffered from severe Fibro with severe fatigue and pain. He also stated that due to my severe fibro and pain I would not be able to hold a job of any sort. I cried because I have always worked and I worked very hard at whatever job I was doing. I have never had to depend on anyone to take care of me except me! Now, I have to fight to receive the benefits that I so despartly need. I have been turned down twice and was even told by SS that I was able to return to my old job as security job at UT. In other words, they didn't believe I was sick enough not to work. Fibromyalgia also makes my hands and feet fall asleep and my sleep is distrubed all during the night so I never ever get up feeling rested. I get up tired and usually early morning like 4am and I feel like crap! I also suffer with severe back problems which seem to be improving. However the 2 herniated disc in my neck have been bothering me and I really don't want to take anymore shots. The shots have not worked any have only helped to put weight on me when I didn't need anymore added weight.


This picture is of Jeff, me and my sister Donna! She has done wonders with losing weight with weight watchers and I am so very proud of her. I think she is just a couple of pounds away from losing 80lbs! You go Donna!!










My sister Pam was with her mother in law and was rear ended by another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. They are now having severe neck and back pain.



My brother Ronnie and his wife Shawn have sold their home and are in the process of building a new home closer to her parents home since her Dad is in really bad health. They are pouring the foundation today and the framing should begin on Wednesday next week. I kow they will be glad to get into their new home soon!

I hope this finds everyone well and I love each of you so much. I also have a myspace account and you can see more pictures and more blog postings there. It is http://www.myspace.com/debrabunt


ENJOY AND MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU!

How Thankful We are for our Families

I know I haven't posted in a while but things have been really busy for The Bunt Family. Jeff's Dad is just now arriving home from Dallas after having both of his knees replaced. All went well and he's a new man now. He's like Jeff...My bonic man! ha! Jeff & I house sat while they were gone so we are now trying to play catch up here at our home. Bubba did stay here while we were away just to watch the place. I had fun in Longview for the week and ahalf we were there, but it's sure nice to be home.

Ms. Katie will be 5 months old tomorrow, April 20th. It's hard to believe she is growing so fast and changing everyday. I have her today and I watched as she rolled over for the first time. I think it may have scared her just a little bit, her eyes were as big as dinner plates. I know this is an older picture but she is still precious.

Jeff is working 12 hour days and has been for a week now. He is thinking that the 12 hours will be over sometimes during this next week. He is so tired.

Bubba and Amy close on their cute home on Monday. They are really excited about it!! It's inside Gladewater but it's just perfect for them as a starter home. Their wedding is set for June 28, 2008. I know they will be happy together and will have many happy wonderful years together.

Jennifer and Michael are celebrating 2 years together today. Man, where does the time go these days. They have a cute apartment inside Tyler. It's a two bedroom one bath and it's just the perfect size for them to start with their precious little baby.

I am still having problems with my back. I went on the 17th for yet another epidural injection in my thoracic spine and it's done nothing for me. If anything I believe I hurt more now than before the procedure. I just pray that relief comes soon. I am in severe pain each day and I want it gone. Maybe I am a wimp, but I have a grandbaby to play with and take to the park and zoo, so somethings got to give.

Jeff & I recently were able to visit his grandmother in Dallas. She celebrated her 98th birthday April 17th. We went a couple of weeks before her birthday. She is still living alone in a small apartment complex for Seniors. She's not getting around like she use to and see doesn't see as well. But she's a fighter! We were able to get one picture of her and Katie and this picture we will cherish always.

We have a new addition to our family of animals. Her name is Texana. She weighs about 100lbs and is a Labradoodle. She is the most loving dog we have ever had. She is a mix of a lab and a standard sized poodle and has the hair of the poodle. She is solid white and with the back yard not having grass in all the areas she is red on the bottom and white on the top.

Jeff has worked really hard on extending our back porch and one more section and the entire back will be from one end of the house to the other. I am so excited about that! We have a wonderful view from our back porch. There is a pond that connects with our property and it's just beautiful and peacefull to sit out and listen to the birds and watch out over the water. I know on this picture you can barely see the water but it's just so peaceful to look at.

The video that is shown here is our small dogs, Brudus and Kozmo chasing Texana off the back porch. Tex ususally instigates the situation and the small dogs just jump right in. It's really funny to watch. I didn't realize that my voice was recorded as well!!! UGH! I took the video on my camera. These are our babies. As you can tell Jeff is out mowing while I am on the porch causing problems with the dogs and ofcourse making sure he's doing it all right! ha!! Isn't that what wives are for??

I think that about catches me up on everything that has happened. I will try my best to get something out each week. I am sure I will have more pictures of Ms. Katie. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Spring. It's just beautiful outside. Everything is green and fresh!! Love everyone and May God Bless Each of You!!!

With All Our Love,

Jeff & Debra Bunt

Katie's First Snow

This picture was taken on Friday, March 7, 2008. Can you believe snow in March...in TEXAS??? It was a beautiful site to see that didn't last long at all. Katie was with me that day and as she awoke that morning I wrapped her up and took her to the front porch were we stood for several minutes as she watched her first snow flakes fall. Her eyes were as big as saucers and she talked as if to asked what it was.



The flakes were just huge and looking from our front porch over into the pasture across our road was just a beautiful sight to see.








This week has been a challenge for me! I have had issues with my health and will be making contact with my Pain Management Doctor this morning. The pain increased over the weekend and I stayed in bed and took pain medication all weekend long. It was a long weekend for me.

My feet, more so my right, has been swelling to the point that I can not bend my toes and I feel that my leg as well is swollen. I am not able to place any pressure on my right leg without pain shooting through me. I have extreme pain in my right hip and can feel the pain going into my spine where I have the herniated disc. It has been really uncomfortable for me. I have asked for help from my friend Sandra and she came over Sunday afternoon and will be staying with me a few days until I can get everything under control. I don't feel comfortable staying alone due to the fear of falling.

I am scheduled for March 27th for another injection for my back and then a follow up on the 14th of April to discuss going in and burning the nerve endings to help control the pain. Several people that I have talked with have not had any luck with this procedure, so I don't have much hope with this anymore. I don't want to have surgery, but over the last week I am able to feel the herniated disc in my back through my skin. I don't think that's a good thing. I think the disc has progressed with the disease and will have to be replaced but I don't know that for sure.

I do have some good news though! About 1 month ago I was back in touch with a brother, David Day, that I lost touch with after my Dad died. And this past week, Danny Day, was in touch with me by email. David still lives in Louisiana and Danny and his family live in Burelson, Texas. Like I said, I haven't seen them since Daddy died January 1997, so it's been a long time. I was really excited about receiving the email from Danny and reconnecting with them. We are hoping to be able to visit face to face soon.

I guess that's really all for this past week. Nothing new to report other than my pain! OUCH!

The picture of Katie is on the day we loaded up and went to the Longview Mall. She slept the entire time we were in the mall and I told her she was going to have to do better if we were going to spend Papaw's money! ha! We had fun and it was great to get out of the house.
We love you all!!!

Our Week......At A Glance!!!

Hey Guys!! Well, another week has come and gone and what a week it has been. I look back and wonder where the time went and what the heck did I do with it. Ha!!

I first want to thank Jody, Janell, Addison & Alex for allowing us to borrow their "saucer" for Ms.
Katie. She just loves sitting in it playing and making all the things move and just the other day we were alone in the house and I heard her make the cow go Moo!! I just laughed!! We started her out by putting a phone book at the bottom so she could her feet could reach the floor but now she doesn't have to have the phone book any longer. She touches the floor and she moves in circles and just has a ball!! Thanks again guys!!



Katie is growing and growing FAST!!! She is well over 30 inches now and February 20th she was 3 months old. The way she has developed and grown it seems as if she should be older than she is now.

I enjoy each precious day that I have with her and the house seems so empty when her Mom takes her home that I really don't know what to do.

Since Katie has been here, my house doesn't stay clean like it use to and the laundry isn't caught up like it use to be, but all that doesn't seem to matter to me anymore. Somedays I do get frustrated that the house isn't clean but when I am sitting with her playing all of that just seems to vanish and nothing else really matters to me any longer except watching her grow and seeing those beautiful smiles that she has for me each day.

She also loves to sit in her saucer and watch TV!! I know what you are thinking! TV is a babysitter, but it doesn't matter what is on she just loves looking at it and watching all the movement and the Einstein CD's well...those just speak for themselves.

She watches her Einstein CD's and will talk and coo as if she is talking with them. It's just a very precious moment that I share with this precious gift from God!!



What can be said about this picture?? Well, this was Katie's first taste of Bananas! She just had the best time of her life...or should I say WE had the best time of OUR lives!!! She loves bananas and is becoming very use to seeing that spoon come to her mouth. Which being in this famiy, that's one of the first requirements! ha! Last night we tried Sweet Potatoes and that was a treat to her! She loved them too!!!

This is Ms. Katie and my sister Pam at Katies first attendance at a birthday party for our Neice Laney. As you can see she is all decked out in pink, sporting a pink head band and shoes. Pam and her husband Doyle helped me out a lot when my kids were small and they just adore their Aunt Pam and Uncle Doyle.

Uncle Doyle was telling me not long ago that when Jennifer was small and they had her they would be going out to eat. Jennifer was in the back in her car seat and Uncle Doyle would turn around really fast and make a funny face and noise and Jennifer would just cry!!! As soon as she would calm down he would do it again! Regardless of what he's done, they still love him! ha!!! I am thankful for them both and all the help I received from them when my kids were small. Now Pam, she can handle a lot of things like dirty diapers, but you start to potty train them and they have an accident while in her care she will clean it up but she is gagging all the time hollaring for Doyle to come help. (Doyle would be in the next room laughing at Pam and not moving an inch to help her! Just enjoying the moments!!)

This is Katie and her Nana!! Janice has helped me with Katie before while I was in Houston and Jennifer needed someone to watch her while she was at work. I know that Janice is going to have a very positive impact on Katie's life and what a blessing that will be. Janice is a very strong Christian woman and I admire her for all the things she has done in her life. She is always giving and never asking or expecting anything in return for it. She is very loving and caring about mankind. I just know that her and Ms. Katie have many many more days to spend together and bond like great-grandmas and great-grandkids do! I look forward to sharing many stories about these two in the days, months and years to come!!

The is our Neice Laney! She turned 8 years old. It's hard to believe. She is the daughter of my brother Ronnie and his wife Shawn. Laney is the youngest of their two children, Lathan being the oldest at 14. She is just a doll!! She is the center of attention wherever she goes and has a smile that will just light up the darkest of rooms. I don't see as much of her as I would like, but that's my own fault. Time goes by so fast and they grow up before you know it. I love them all so very much and Laney is just the cat's meow of the family!! She is very smart and both of their children are active in everything they can possibly be active in. They are a wonderful Christian family that I am blessed and foruntate to call my own!




What else would Laney have but a Princess Birthday Cake? It fits her perfect!! She is ALL GIRL!!! She loves the nail polish and girly stuff with hair ribbons and bows. She is the princess that was a gift from God that he saw fit to give to this family. We are all truly blessed by this wonderful child.

Laney blowing out her candles! She read EVERY card she received and thanked EVERYONE at the party for her gift and for coming. What a little lady!!! And WHO is this little man beside her?? Is this her boyfriend?? AT 8?? That was precious to see them interact together...they do grow up fast!!!

Well, that was our week! I hope you enjoy the blog and will keep coming back.

SISTERS TRIP TO HOUSTON

Pam and I took a weekend trip to visit Donna in Houston and we had a great time. Just us 3 sisters hanging out shopping and enjoying our time together.

We left Tyler Friday Morning, February 15, 2008 around 10am and arrived in downtown Houston around 1:30pm. Our first stop was Joe's apartment loft were I visited with the sweet ladies that run the front desk. They just adored Joe and they always enjoyed the times I came to town! Joe would come down a day or two before my arrival and say, "Mama is coming to town" and they would know who it was. I thought it would be hard on me, but I think it was good for me to go back there and visit with them.

While Donna was still slaving away at work, Pam & I did some "lite" walking around downtown Houston. I don't know if you are aware of this but Houston has 6 miles of tunnels beneath downtown Houston that are filled with gift shops, retail shops like Macy's and many resturants. We didn't do much walking, due to my health but we had a blast! I think while we were in the tunnels I began to have a panic attack. I began sweating so bad that it was just dripping off of me. It scared me and I know it scared Pam so we came back up to the top and made our way back to the car.

From there we went to the Beer Can House. If you haven't been to the beer can house you need to go. It took this man 20 years to completely cover his house with beer cans, his planter boxes, mail box, garage and gates! The most wonderful sound in the world came from the windchimes he made from beer cans and can tops.

We made our way to Donna's apartment and awaited her arrival from work. We went out for a nice meal and came home and crashed! We were exhausted and we all sleep like a baby that night. I think you could have just propped me up and I could have slept that night! ha!

The next day we were up early ready to get out into the Houston scene! We made our way around the area Donna lives. She showed us her office, which has a beautiful view of the medical area. Ok!! Has anyone ever been to The Chocolate Bar in Houston? It's not a club! It's nothing but chocolate!! You could actually die in there! ha!! Homemade chocolate everything!!!!!!! Ice Cream, Pies, Cakes, Fudge, did I mention everything is chocolate???? You get out of the car and you can smell the chocolate. It was just out of this world.

We had a really good time there with Donna. This was the first time all 3 sisters have ever gotten together for the weekend and I hope it was the first of many. With my health like it is, I am hoping to go back and just spend a couple of days and just lounge in her apartment while she is at work. No phones, no nothing!!! Just relax and not worry about anything. I worry about the drive, but I did well going down this time. I did drive, but we had to stop several times and I popped my panic pills a couple of times as well. My back gave me fits, but I can't keep sitting here at the house. Soon I will be bigger than the house if I do! ha!!

I also want to share this picture with you! This I believe was taken on Valentine's Day. Jennifer and Katie came over to visit with me. She was dressed so pretty. She is growing so fast. Yesterday she was 3 months old. It's hard to believe. Time sure has gone by fast. It won't be long she will be walking around pulling everything down around her! What a joy she is!!!

ONE YEAR WITHOUT JOE

Writing this today is hard to do. It's been a year today since Joe died and so much has happened in my life since then. I have slowly picked up the pieces and moved on but it has been a hard process to do. My life without him hasn't been the same yet it's still filled with laughter from my wonderful and supportive family. I am so blessed to have them.

I was standing on the porch this morning listening to the rain as the thunder echos across the sky when I noticed something. Joe was singing to me! There was a bird in one of the trees and the song was beautiful even through the thunder and the pounding of the rain I could hear the beautiful sound of this bird singing proud and loud that all was right with the world. The thunder the the heartache and the struggles I have faced since Joes death and the song of the bird symbolizes the new beginning of life, my life! I know Joe is fine and he is watching over me, I've always known that. It's just there are days it's hard to understand why he decided to make that deadly decision that day without talking to the one thing he said he would miss the most in life, ME!!

Joe had a beautiful smile, a laugh that would come deep from within him and a heart as big as they came. He didn't come first in this lifetime, he always wanted to help others and make them what he could see in them. He always saw the diamond in the rough.

So how do you go 365 days without talking to someone you talked to everyday for many many years? I have yet to conquer that quest, but I am working on it. I said today would be easier than I had thought, but it's not! It is so hard!! I thought by now I would have a piece written to post on this blog, but I don't! I just have ramblings of my thoughts and emotions. My mind has been filled with this day and how it all came about and my mind has no room for writing pretty things.

Although Joe is gone, he still lives in my heart now and forever. I will always love him unconditionally. We had a friendship that I know I will never find again if I should live 1000 years on this Earth. We could be close, yet not touch. We always seemed to know what the other was thinking or was going to do next! I want go any further into our relationship cause you all know how close we were.

Joe will forever be apart of my life! I know he is in heaven with my Mom watching over me and awaiting the day that I reunite with them both. (hopefully that will be a long time from now) I close by saying, tell your friends you love them, spend as much time with them as possible, cherish the moments you have and enjoy the time you have on this Earth for it all too soon will pass.

Joe will forever be in my heart!!! I love you Joe and I miss you! You were my guiding light on this Earth now you are my guardian angel. Watch over me and guide me to make good decisions and keep me safe. I have a wonderful family and I want to spend many years with them and make many happy wonderful blessed memories! May You Rest In Peace now Joe!!!

Lucy I'm Home!

Most of you know I write at the drop of a hat and this is what has touched my heart this morning. I know it has come from Joe.

I have reached the Golden Gates Dear Friend
And here I am in pain no more
I will wait for you here
For one day we will join again

I struggle no more to find a true love
For I am at Peace Dear Friend
I have the Love I have always needed
I want for Love no more

One day I will see you again
So cry for me no more, Dear Friend
For yours was a love I treasured on Earth
And it will come again

I see your struggles on Earth for me
I am happy and at peace
I am with you for all time Dear Friend
I will guide you through tough times

I have to go now Dear Friend
But yet I am always there
You see I am in Heaven Dear Friend
Yet I am always there

Debra Bunt

February 12, 2008

What A Blessing!

I have always known that Katie was a blessing to this family, but as the days turn into weeks I realize just how much of a blessing.

As you all know I have struggled with many issues since 2007 and I still struggle to this day but having Katie with me has helped me to not focus on what is wrong with me but what is right! I have so much to be thankful for.

First, I thank God that I am here, that I can see this wonderful blessing, Ms. Katie Lynn,

I have a wonderful husband who has stuck with me through thick and thin. He has given to me moral support and has just been there no matter what. He has supported my dreams and have been there when I fall. My world changed so much the day I met this man and it will forever be changed by him and I thank God for him!

I have 2 wonderful kids. The day they were born brought me pain and joy all in the same day but what a delight. They touched my heart and soul like nothing I had known before. As they grew I was prayed they would understand why I did things that I did and why things turned out the way they did. God has lead them to understand! What a blessing! Jennifer has blessed Jeff & I with a beautiful grand daughter and she has a wonderful Man in her life that is supporting her in the many ways Jeff supports me and for that, I am Blessed!! Jennifer is a beautiful young woman and a great mother!! I am Blessed for that! Danny has been a joy as well and a challenge at the same time, but not as much as Jennifer, but what a fine young man he has turned out to me. He is a handsome young man and is engaged to marry a beautiful young lady in June 08. He is very supportive to her and would help anyone in need. I am truly blessed for having all 4 of these people in my life!!!

My Parents, Having my biological Dad die, June 1967 when I was 3, I never really knew him, but I was raised my another man I came to know as Dad. I have lots of good memories growing up and looking back at my childhood as a grown up I have to say now I am thankful to him for the way I was raised. We didn't have the typical childhood! We worked hard during the summers planting and picking vegetables, plucking chickens, churning butter and gathering eggs. Ofcourse, some of this chores were year roung. When it came time for invites to the lake or sleep overs those were few and far between but when we did have them boy did we have fun. We climbed hay in the barn, played in the creek, road bikes miles to Winona and spent allday walking through the woods. I am blessed for having him in my life and was sad when he died January 1997. My Mom soon followed him in September 1999. My Mom worked hard her entire life raising her kids and soon helping me with my kids. She always made sure we had what we needed and sometimes what we wanted. I look back now and wonder how she did it? How did she put 3 full meals a day on the table? How did she keep the house so clean? How did she stay so happy? If she felt bad or was sad we never knew it! What a wonderful woman! She was a woman that I hope I can be someday, a woman a full trust, courage, love and strength. I will always carry them both in my heart!

My in laws!! I married my wonderful husband July 1999 and shortly after my mom died. These wonderful Christian people stepped in to help fill that void in my life. They have provided to me support in many ways and they have shown me that through love and understanding anything is possible. I will forever be grateful to them for what they have done for me! They are my Mom and Dad, they are my new inspiration, they are my support, they are my courage, they are my understanding, they are my strength. Mom has touched my life in more ways than I could ever put into words. She has seen me at my worst, yet she loves me, she has seen me at my best! She has cried when I cry and she has hurt when I hurt. She has the unconditonal love for me that a mother has for a child and that can never be replaced. When I feel ungrounded she brings be back and achors me, when I feel overwhelmed she takes some of the worry from my heart. She is just a wonderful Christian Lady and I look up to her and too hope that I can one day be like her. Then there is Dad! What a joy! He has brought so much laughter to my life and has also supported me in my dreams. He has also been there when I am down and helps to bring me back. He has seen me at my worse yet he too still loves me. He has see me at my best! He has seen me cry and has helped to wipe the tears. He has helped me to realize that with God all things are possible. I admire him in more ways than he will ever know and I hope that Jeff & I can continue to grow and have the wonderful marriage that these two precious people share. They are two wonderful gifts from God.

My siblings! Yes, I love them too and this could open up a can of worms if I go too deep into the memories! ha!! I have a brother who has met many challenges in his life head on and has won those challenges in style. I admire him alot for all that he has accomplished. He has a wonderful loving and caring wife Shawn who is just so precious. She stuck with Ronnie when he was meeting those challenges and they have grown into a wonderful Christian family with 2 great kids Lathan and Laney! I have wonderful memories growing up with Ronnie and Shawn that I will cherish always. Pam & Doyle, well what can you say about those two? What a pair! Me and Pam were like night and day growing up. I was country and she was rock and roll! We fought alot and she didn't want me around her. Her and Ronnie were together a lot and she babied him to no end and still does! ha!! Pam didn't want to talk in class and got notes sent home from high school teachers alot. She even got flunk out of a science class because of it. Then I hit high school and notes were sent home because I talked too much! ha!! Pam has always been there for me. She helped me alot with my kids (doyle too) they would come over and get them on weekends and made wonderful memories with them and those memories have not ended yet!!! Doyle is a great guy no matter what people say about him! ha!!!! He and Pam have had rocky roads behind them but they are together and they always will be. I love them both dearly and don't know what I would do without them. Then there is Donna and JW! What do you say about Donna and JW?? Well, where do I begin? I remember growing up with Donna and always wanting to be like her and still do. I remember going into her room and getting into her things and her hollaring at Mama to get me out! I wanted to hang out with her and her friends and she just hated that. Donna and I were closer than me and Ronnie and Pam. We are more alike than they are too. Ofcourse Donna is 8 years older than I am so she was gone and out of the house when I was really growing up but she did make it a point to still be there for me. She took me and had my ears pierced and just took time for me. I will always have those good memories and I know there ar many more to come. She is married to JW! I guess you could say they complete each other. They hollar but they communicate that way...ha!!! JW and Donna complete each other in ways that I can't describe. He has been there for Donna through thick and thin and she has been ther for him. He wants the best for her and sees that it happens. For all these things with my siblings I am forever thankful to God and I know that they are true blessings from him and the older I get the more I treasure those special times.

I have a Brother and Sister in law that I would not trade for nothing in this world! What fun loving people they are. They have brought joy and laughter to me as well and they are a brother and a sister to me! My connection to Janell is unlike anything I have ever seen. We connected from the first time we met and we have not stopped. Although since they had the twins our talks are few and far between but we connect non the less. Jody is a wonderful Christian man who is kind and loving to all he mets. I have never known him to say an unkind word about anyone. They have a wonderful Christian filled marriage and I am so forunate to have them in my life.

My friends! Although I lost my closest friend Joe I still have many friends who love me and care about me in many different ways. They love me for me and that is all I need! I have too many memories to even mention here!

I am so blessed in my life and it's strange how it takes things to really bring it to light! I always knew I was blessed in many many ways in my life but during the past year it was really hard for me to see how blessed I was. I was down and out and really depressed! Almost to the point of admission to a mental hospital!! I was scared, a hurting inside that I have never felt before and then came Katie. My world lite up and turned around. Like I said earlier, I no longer look at the things that are wrong with me, I look at the things that are right not only with me but with the world. I want my life to make an impact on the life of Katie and on others and I am at that point in my life that I am ready for that challenge! I thank you God for all the things You have provided to me for all my needs and some of my wants, but most of all I thank You for the things I have listed above because with them I would not be who I am today!!! Thank You so so much! Amen!

Prayers for the Hugheys

I also want to ask each of you for prayers! Not for my family, but for the family of Dana and Trey Hughey. Dana is an anchor on Good Morning East Texas and at 25 weeks gave birth to twin boys Ford and Hayden. They are fighting each day and prayers are needed for them. You can post your thoughts and prayers directly to them by going to www.kltv.com and go down to Keeping up with the Hughey's.

Thanks again!

Katie Lynn

Let me just start off by saying this week was exhausting! JANELL ALL I CAN SAY IS YOU ARE SUPER MOM WITH TWINS! I had Katie this week and it was wonderfully exhausting. I purchased for her Baby Einstien CD's and she watched her first one on Wednesday. Ok! She's 2 months old and I thought there is no way she is even going to be milding interested in watching this CD, but I gave it a go. I placed her in her swing and popped in this wonderful marvel! She absoluatly loved it!! I was so amazed at her response. I didn't turn the swing on but she had it going. She was slinging arms and kicking legs, cooing and smiling all the time she had her eyes set to the tv. 2 thumbs up for Baby Einstein. Above is a picture of her watching this video and by the way, this video was 34 minutes long and she watched the whole thing! AMAZING!!!

The 2 pictures above were taken on Friday. Jennifer had to work until 1:15pm and Katie had to be at a doctor's appointment at 2:15pm so Mamaw and Katie had to meet Mom at the Doctor's office. What a morning! ha!! You know it took me back to the days when my kids were young, when I had both of them at say 4 and newborn. I thought back and I wondered how in the world did I do it? God has reasons for people to have kids early and today proved to be one of those days...at least for Mamaw.

This appointment for Katie Lynn was for her first round of vaccination shots. Oh...I remember the screams! I knew she needed to go, but I didn't want her to have to go through the little sting that she was going to feel and I felt bad for Jennifer cause this was the first for her. I was asked by Jennifer if I wanted to come in with her and I just couldn't...I couldn't do it for all the money in the world. I told Jennifer this is your time, my time for this is over. That may sound bad of me but it's different when it's your grand child. As a parent you don't want anything to happen to your children, but as a grand parent you REALLY don't want to see them hurting for any reason. I just don't know how to explain it! It's just different. So in honor of her 1st vaccination shots, Mamaw had to deck her out in a smart looking outfit and take a picture.

Her appointment went well. Katie Lynn received her shots and she weighs a whopping 12lbs and will be 3 months old the 20th of this month. She doesn't feel like 12lbs, she still feels so tiny and small. I am hoping that means she is taking after her Daddy who pant wise wears, get this, a 29 waist and a 40 long. Yes, you heard me right!!!

I hope you are enjoying the blog. I think it is fun to write about my family and express my feelings and thoughts for the day or week. ENJOY!!