Welcome to Gene Ann's Blog

February 12, 2010

Hello Everybody,

Oh my goodness I have been slacking again. I have so much to share I just don't know where to start. The last month and a half have been so very busy. I know I stay busy but really busier than usual.

First of all let me start back in September when I met a wonderful man at church. We began hanging out together and soon started dating steadily. It has grown into a wonderful relationship. David has asked me to marry him and we will be married on May 1st. Goodness, I have a lot to do before then. But things are coming together already.

Next relay for life is just around the corner. I guess I am totally crazy but it is the weekend before the wedding. I will be doing the accounting again this year. It keeps me busy! Our church will have a team again this year "Avery's Army." I will keep you all posted as fundraisers are decided and announced. I am currently looking for someone to take over as team captain. I just can't do both accounting and team captain. I tried last year and it just wasn't good for me.

The next few months are going to be busy. I have been asked to speak something very special this month. When I get more information I will let everyone know. As you can see it has been very busy. Avery has been busy sending messages lately. I'm sure she is just delighted that mommy is marrying someone named "David." Oh and Francine he is a BAMA fan! Yeah! We had a great time watching most of the games together. Avery has really been into moving pictures lately. I know I straighten her picture at least twice a week. We even used the level last time and well today there it was uneven again! Now, we just laugh! I can just hear her giggling as we are trying to get the pictures straight. Today as the snow continues to come down I thought about her last January here. It snowed right before she got too sick to go outside. She bundled up and went outside with Daddy to make a "no man." She came back in the house with a "no ball." Which the no ball melted before she could find me. She was so proud of her "no man." Little did we know she was a sick as she was at the time. We made the most of everyday.

Thank you all so much for stopping by to check in. Please continue to pray for all of those children out there that are fighting the beast we call cancer. Please pray for Conner, Janna, Libba, Bayleigh, Molly, Aaron and Nicholas. I am so sorry if I left anyone out but please pray for those in treatment and those that are out of treatment but still face the dreaded scans each year. Please pray for those that have lost loved ones. There are many anniversaries coming up and we all need prayers of strength. Until Next Time. . . . . Missing Avery like crazy. . . . . .Gene Ann

January 10, 2010

Hello Everybody,

Ok, so I'm already slacking this year. Things are so busy around here. Work is crazy! Clinique Bonus starts on February 2nd! I am in the middle of presell for this event. If you need anything let me know and I will work you up a presell. I will even deliver for those in the area will mail for those out of the area. Relay for Life for Autauga County will kick-off next Saturday, January 16th with a pancake breakfast at Beef O'Brady's in Prattville. The breakfast will be from 7:30 until 10 am. The cost is $5 and proceeds will go to Relay for Life teams. I have tickets for Avery's Army if anyone needs any please let me know.

I will update other fundraisers for Relay as soon as I get them. I am hoping to hand off the resposibility of Team Captain for Avery's Army to Rachel at church. She and the youth will hopefully take the team to a new level this year. This is still in the works for now. Last year was very difficult doing accounting and being team captain.

I have not had a weekend off since the first weekend of October. I found out this week it will be the first weekend of March before that can happen. I will be taking off to work on finishing my boxes and organizing the house a little better. I keep thinking I will slow down and take some time to do nothing! Not going to happen any time soon. But I don't think I could stand not having more to do than is possible to do.

Thank you all for checking in! Please continue to pray for us all. Please pray for all of the children that are fighting the good fight. Please pray for all of those parents that have lost their children. Please pray for a cure! Until Next Time. . . . . Missing Avery more than ever. . . . . Gene Ann

January 1, 2010

Hello Everybody,

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great night last night. I had a very quiet night except for Pilot barking at the fireworks. She was quite the crazy dog but I think that is normal for her.

Have been thinking so much about new years resolutions but really don't have any good ones this year. I want to run two half marathons this year. Finding time to train should be very interesting. I think that this year will be the year of organizing. I am in the house but things are not totally organized yet. So, that is about all I am going to tackle this year.

Happy New Year make this a great year by making wonderful memories with your children. Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs! Until Next Time. . . . . Missing Avery so very much. . . . . .Gene Ann

December 31, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Just sitting here reflecting on the past year. So many changes, so much sadness, so little time for anything other than work. The first part of the year was tough but as the year went on things have gotten easier. I must say that the last three months of the year have been wonderful. 2010 will be an incredible year filled with many wonderful blessings.

Today I was getting ready for work when I saw a lady bug on the window seal. I had to stop and first think of Avery (my little lady bug), then I thought how this had to be a sign of good things to come. Lady bugs are lucky so I thought hey maybe my luck is changing. I know though that GOD is in control and HE will take care of everything.

I hope that everyone will have a wonderful and happy new year. Please continue to pray for all of those children that are fighting the beast we call cancer. Let's pray that this is the year that a cure is found. Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs! Until Next Time. . . . . Missing Avery like crazy. . . . .Gene Ann

December 25, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Merry Christmas! I hope the day has been filled with many wonderful blessings. I also hope that everyone has made many wonderful memories to keep forever. I know that day has been incredible.

I visited with Avery for a while today. That was the most difficult part of the day but once I was there I really did not want to leave. Later I enjoyed a family gathering with a friend of mine. It was so nice to be included. It was a very special day.

I am going to enjoy the night because it is back to work tomorrow. UGGGH! I already dread the alarm clock chirping at 4:15 tomorrow morning. I better rest now!

Thank you so much for stopping by. Please continue to pray for all of our special friends! Don't forget the super tight extra long hugs. Until Next Time. . . . . . Missing Avery like crazy. . . . . Gene Ann

December 24, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Well, as you can see I am slacking once again. There really have not been enough hours in the day this month. I had so many wonderful things to share but the time just has gotten away from me. I am hoping to do better in 2010.

This holiday season has been wonderful! It has been filled with so many wonderful blessings. I have filled all of my extra time baking red velvet cakes. I have one more order to fill tomorrow then I can take a break until next year. It has been nice having the extra money. But at the same time it has been a back breaking job. I plan on sleeping all day tomorrow.

Tonights candle light service at church was beautiful. I can't think of a better place to have been. I was so thankful that I was able to get off of work in time to attend. It was wonderful!

I hope that everyone has a very blessed Christmas. I know Avery is going to the ultimate birthday party tomorrow. Oh to see her! I know she will be one of the party planners and first in line for cake!

Thank you all for checking in on me. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers. Please pray for all of those children fighting the beast we call cancer. Please pray for all of those that have lost loved ones. Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs. Until Next Time. . . . .Missing Avery more than ever. . . . . Gene Ann

December 6, 2009

Hello Everybody,

First of all Roll Tide! What a game! I am still in shock that Bama won. I had to call when I got off work to make sure the score was correct. My blackberry said 9 to 0 but I thought this can't be right. Sure enough it was correct and only got better.

I was out sick Friday for the first time since going to work for Belk. I ended up at the doctors office and it is the dreaded sinus infection. I have been so run down lately. Let me see working at least 38 hours a week. Singing in choir and doing all of my volunteer stuff. This week was elite shopping night so I was asked to cater the event. I had to get Grandmother to come help me because I had to leave the event and go to choir practice then come back to break it all down. Busy! Busy! Busy! The event went wonderfully but now everyone at work is hounding me for recipes. I might just have to do a cookbook soon. For now that is just a thought I'm too busy to even think about that.

Tonight is the Christmas musical at church. We are having a dinner theater with proceeds going to the youth mission team. This should be quite fun. Good thing I still have my voice. Not sure if I will after the tonight though.

Elf tip six is simple. Be sure to tuck your elf in each night and sprinkle the magic snowflakes that santa sent you over him or her. This should make them sleep all night and dream of the north pole. However, if you forget check the refrigerator in the morning because they might be sleeping there to stay good and cold. You never know with these silly elves what they are going to do!

Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs! Until Next Time. . . . . Missing Avery more than ever . . . . . Gene Ann

December 5, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Happy Birthday Granddaddy! I hope you have a wonderful day filled with all good things and a SEC championship win for the tide to go along too!

Elf tip five! Don't forget to feed your elf every night. The only thing they can have is crackers and water. The crackers are crunchy and remind them of the snow and the water reminds them of melted snow. Don't deviate from this or your could have trouble when you get up tomorrow morning. Never ever give an elf sugar! If you do look first on the ceiling fan tomorrow morning and there is no telling what they will take up there with them.

Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs. Until Next Time. . . . .Missing Avery more than ever . . . . . Gene Ann

December 4, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Elf tip four is pretty simple. Put away all small electric appliances. I heard of one elf that liked making grilled cheese sandwhiches with the iron on the ironing board. Good in theory but a huge yucky mess! Be careful these elves can be tricky.

Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs! How about building that gingerbread house tonight! Until Next Time. . . . .Missing Avery like crazy. . . . . Gene Ann

December 3, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Elf tip three is tricky! Elves love toilet paper. So, don't forget to close the bathroom doors. If you forget and leave one open you might just find your tree redecorated with toilet paper. Now, if you recall from two years ago this is when Avery said "Tiffany you silly elf we don't waste toilet paper!" Now, I wonder where she heard that?

Try making reindeer cookies while listening to Christmas music or watching a good Christmas movie. I think I am going to dig out my favorite this weekend "The Polar Express." So far Tiffany has been pretty good this year it is Pilot I can't seem to control! Oh but you should all see her in her new pink sweater. If she will just keep it on long enough for a picture we could all see how cute she can sometimes be. Don't forget the super tight extra long hugs! Until Next Time. . . . . .Missing Avery terribly. . . . .Gene Ann

December 2, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Elf tip two is very important! Never leave your wrapping supplies unattended at night. You must put away the scissors. Elves love to make snowflakes, paper dolls and other stuff with scissors. The only problem is you never know what they are going to cut up to make them. I use to love that table cloth that Tiffany decided would make beautiful snowflakes! Be careful those elves can make big messes if not properly attended too.

I will update more later. It has started out being a very busy December. I hope to slow down soon! Now, don't forget to make cookies with sprinkles and lots of icing soon. Don't forget the super tight extra long hugs. Until Next Time. . . . .Missing Avery like crazy. . . . . . Gene Ann

December 1, 2009

Hello Everybody,

It is elf tip time! The main rule you must never ever forget when housing a north pole elf is to never ever leave sugar of any kind where they can find it! Put all cookies, sugar, candy away in a dark place (Elves are afraid of the dark). If you forget you might wake up to a huge a mess and an elf with a tummy ache!

Thanks for checking in on me. Things are going great right now. Please continue to pray for all of us. Please pray for those children that are still fighting the fight. Please pray for all of those that have lost their loved ones. Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs! Now, how about hot chocolate with marshmallows tonight! Until Next Time. . . . . Missing Avery more than ever . . . . . Gene Ann

November 26, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Happy Thanksgiving to all! I hope that the day is filled with many wonderful blessings for everyone. I know that as I sit and reflect on the past year I feel so very blessed. First I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and such fantastic friends. The support you all have given me over the last year has been a huge blessing to me. Thank you all for being such a meaningful part of my life.

The past week has been difficult in part. Several things such as "Thanks and Giving" for Saint Jude's, the children being out of school rushing to mall to see Santa; I could go on and on but I think you all get the picture. I realized that these feelings will never go away and this is something that I will deal with the rest of my life. You can try to avoid these things but they are always going to be there. You can try to turn off your emotions but at some point your going to break.

Now on to brighter news. The tree is up (not decorated but up). It still needs some tweaking before decorating. It is beautiful in the new house and fills the breakfast nook. I plan on having it all done by December 1st. December is looking to be a busy month. Between work and everything else it is going to be a go, go, run, run kind of month. But I think that is the norm for me. One day I am going to slow down:)

Plans for now do include a visit to the camp SAM Christmas party. I have several things planned that day so I am hoping that it all works out. Elf tips will begin in just a few days. You know that starting after Thanksgiving if you leave a glass of water and saltine crackers by the fire place Santa will send you an elf to keep until Christmas eve. I think there might be a little more to it but I will let you know in plenty of time. I hear that Mrs. Francine has requested a special elf for her daycare. I can't wait to hear what all her special friend does. I think Tiffany might be coming to visit this year as well. Oh my I can't imagine how messy this could get.

Thank you all so much for stopping by to check on me. Please continue to pray for us all. Please pray for all of those children out there fighting the beast we call cancer. Please pray for all of those that have lost loved ones. Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs. Did you remember to make turkey cookies this Thanksgiving? Until Next Time. . . . . Missing Avery more than ever. . . . . . Gene Ann

November 19, 2009

Hello Everybody,

I have just a minute before I get ready for work and decided to post a quick update. Work is getting busy with the holidays looming around the corner. Everything is decorated and holiday music fills the air of the mall. I am reminded everyday of Avery and how much she loved the holidays. If she were still here I am sure we would already have the tree up!

I missed a toastmaster meeting on Saturday due to a busy work day. I was volunteered to host the Holiday meeting next month by not attending. Lesson learned never miss another meeting:) Funny! Now, I have to get a few things done around here so maybe that is the kick I need to get it done. Thank goodness it is a breakfast meeting so that is super easy!

I now have office furniture. I just have to get the boxes unboxed and filed. I can't wait! I just now need 3 or 4 days off to get it all done.

Thanks so much for checking in on me. I so appreciate all of your prayers. Please continue to pray for us all as each day without Avery is still difficult. Please pray for all of those children out there fighting the beast we call cancer. Please pray for all of those parents that have lost children. Now, don't forget those super tight extra long hugs. How about dessert first tonight! Until Next Time. . . . .Missing Avery like crazy. . . . . Gene Ann

November 11, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Happy Birthday Natileigh and Mrs. Pam! I hope that you both had wonderful days today filled with many blessings. Please remember to eat dessert first:) You both are very special!

Everything has been crazy around here as usual. Clinique is still in event and we have been for a week now. The hours have been long but we have been rocking so I haven't minded one bit. You all know how I love to be busy.

I did it again today! Went to the middle of the mall without realizing it was filled with small children. As I turned the corner I could hear the bell and knew that the train was up and running. The children were laughing and the parents were standing watching, snapping pictures and waving as the train would pass by. The memories came flooding back to me. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I guess I could avoid the center court of the mall for a while but that would be very difficult. I am hoping that it gets easier as the holidays get closer.

Things are going great right now! I am still having fun and enjoying everything that I am doing. Work has gotten better with the new store manager on board. I actually got four boxes unpacked this week. Wow, now I only have about 10 left! Things are finally coming together.

Thank you all so much for checking in on me. I so appreciate your thoughts, prayers and messages. Please continue to pray as the holidays draw closer we will all need your prayers. Please pray for those children that are still fighting the beast we call cancer. Please pray for those parents that have lost children. Now, don't forget those super tight extra long hugs! Until Next Time. . . . . . Missing Avery more than ever. . . . . . . Gene Ann

October 31, 2009

Hello Everybody,

I know, I know. . . .I'm a huge slacker! I can't believe how long it has been since my last update. I will try to do better.

Work has been very busy. Well I have been busy preparing for upcoming events. I went to Birmingham for my accreditation exam a couple of weeks ago I passed so now I am an accredited consultant. It just means they think I know what I am doing. I am still the only one on my line due to sickness and laziness. My full time girl is very sick and my part time girl just doesn't want to work. I am trying to work all I can but I can't be there everyday. Hopefully I will get some help soon.

Monday night I spoke in Fort Deposit at awomens Bible study group. It was so amazing. I had the best time and feel so very blessed to have shared our journey. I find this so healing and enjoy sharing Avery stories to anyone that will listen.

Life is great! I am having fun and enjoying everything I do. There are still those times that I have to remember to stop and breathe but I think those will never go away. Those times have gotten easier. I find myself laughing more now than before. I will try to do a better job of updating. The holidays are coming and I have so many new elf tips as well as holiday tips.

Thanks so much for checking in on us. Please continue to pray for us all. Please pray for all of those children out there that are still fighting the fight. Please pray for all of those parents that have lost children. Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs. I'm thinking ice cream cones for breakfast tomorrow. Until Next Time. . . . . .Missing Avery like crazy. . . . . Gene Ann

October 14, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Wow, I can't believe what a slacker I have become in updating. So much has been going on that there are just not enough hours in the day. I hope to not leave anything out!

I have been working very odd shifts lately because I have been the only full time at the counter. One of my girls has been out sick and on vacation. The other part timer doesn't really want to work and only wants certain shifts so I have handled the bulk of the load lately (4 weeks now). I have also been juggling other responsibilities at work and my volunteer schedule as well.

Today I was off but my day was planned from start to finish. The day started with a conference call for work, then a chiropractor appointment (started a new therapy that is working wonders on my back), lunch then I helped cook dinner for church, worked a shift a the pumpkin patch doing science and math experiments with the kids, then served dinner at church from there it was choir practice. Whew, I have to get back to work tomorrow to get a break. The day was amazing!

Ok, so while at choir tonight we were practicing a Christmas song "Rigging up the lights," I didn't know whether to cry or laugh. The song is comical but reminded me so much of Avery. I remembered her last Christmas and how she was in the back seat saying "pretty, pretty. . . . not pretty, not pretty. . . . . pretty. . . . . mommy our house is not pretty . . . . did you hear me mommy our house is not pretty!" She was referring to the Christmas lights and then asked me why everybody didn't put out lights and decorations. I remembered her calling Dan and telling him "Daddy our house is not pretty. . . . what are you going to do about it daddy?" Of course he thought I put her up to calling but I didn't. She just always came up with this stuff on her own. The song was just what I needed, it brought back happy memories of my special times with Avery.

Several events coming up that I am excited about. Next weekend there is a Toastmaster conference in Prattville. I will be doing the decorating but will not be attending the conference due to work and a wedding or two that I will be attending. Next Thursday I will be going to Birmingham to take my test to become an accredited consultant. Part of it is actual show them what I know and the other is written. I have been studying.The last Monday of the month I will be going to Fort Deposit to speak to a Bible study group. I am looking so forward to meeting some of Avery's prayer warriors and sharing our story. It has been and continues to be a very busy month.

Thank you all for checking in. Please continue to pray for us all. Please pray for all of the children that are battling the beast we call cancer. Please pray for a new friend Sterling as he had his first brain surgery in Birmingham this week. Please pray that the results on pathology are good and everything goes well. Please pray for all of those that have lost loved ones especially those that have lost children. Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs! Until Next Time. . . . . . Missing Avery like crazy. . . . . . Gene Ann

October 6, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Happy Birthday Shelby! I hope you have a wonderful day today and a year ahead filled with many wonderful blessings. Eat your cake first today and think of Avery. I am very proud of you!

It's back to work today. I'm not thrilled but you have to do what you have to do sometimes. I will update more later. Thanks for checking in on us. Please continue to pray for us all. Please pray for all of those out there fighting the beast. Also, pray for those that have lost loved ones recently. Pray for my choir friend Reggie as he is fighting a bad case of bronchitis along with his other lung problems. Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs. Until Next Time . . . . . Missing Avery more than ever . . . . . Gene Ann

October 3, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Not much really going on around here. Busy as usual. This week I was in Birmingham for counter manager leadership conference on Tuesday. The rest of time it has been work, work, work. This has been my last weekend off until after inventory in January. YUCK!

Grandmother and Granddaddy have been visiting for a couple of days. I had planned to run the Montgomery half marathon thinking that it was in November but it was today so I didn't make it to run. I probably could have done it but didn't want to risk injury seeing how it has been two months since I have been able to walk or run. The LPGA is in town for Navistar Classic and Granddaddy came to go to that with Charlie on Friday. We went today and might go back tomorrow depending on the weather. It was fun getting out.

I have so much to get done before going back to work on Tuesday. Hopefully I will have a very productive day tomorrow and Monday.

Thank you all so much for checking in on us. Please continue to pray for us all. Please pray for those that are fighting the beast. Please pray for all of those parents that have lost their little ones. Don't forget those super tight extra tight hugs. Until Next Time. . . . . Missing Avery like crazy. . . . . Gene Ann

September 24, 2009

Hello Everybody,

First of all thank you to all that have sent messages of encouragement along with your prayers after last nights post. You all are awesome! I am feeling much better but have realized that I have to make a change possibly a job move for my sanity. I have really been praying about this and have received several signs that seem to be pointing me in what I believe is the right direction.

It has been nice the past few days having Grandmother and Granddaddy here. I don't know what I would do without them.

It is really late and I am waiting on a chocolate sheet cake to cool so I can wrap it and head to bed. We are having a surprise birthday luncheon for one of the alterations ladies that doesn't have any family. I work with some great people that are always thinking of others.

Thank you all for checking in and most especially thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for us all as we still continue to heal. Please pray for all of those that are going through treatment right now. Please pray for those parents that have lost their children. Don't forget the super tight extra long hugs. Until Next Time. . . . . Forever missing Avery. . . . . Gene Ann

September 23, 2009

Hello Everybody,

I'm just now catching up from being off for five days. I've been trying to update but just haven't had the energy or heart to put into updating. This past week has been a rough one. So much has happened my emotions have been on over drive so I thought it best to hold off on updating until I settled down a bit.

I wasn't ready to go back to work from my short vacation but managed to go with a smile on my face. I prayed all the way to work then once there had the most amazing day. The first day since my vacation that the counter made goal. This happened Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Great, I thought! Then Friday they called us all back one at a time and cut our pay.. I just have to pray harder I thought! Ok now I am thinking that praying for another job would be the best thing right now. I love Clinique! This has been one of the most fun jobs I have ever had but the Belk world isn't where I want to be right now. I am ready to do something to make a difference.

So I was asked to cater an event at work that was tonight. I thought great! The event was great and with Grandmother and Granddaddy's help went off without a hitch. But doing these things still gets me nowhere with this company. It is all about sales per hour end of story. I will say that I was so busy today that I almost forgot what today was. Today would have been mine and Dan's nine year wedding anniversary.

I have been very sad this past week. I miss Avery more than words can ever describe. I thought of her on Sunday as I was trying to get rid of the ants that managed to migrate in during the storm. I remembered the summer that we went to see "The Ant Bully." I laughed thinking to myself that I was the ant bully. Then later that night I had a dream about the movie and woke up looking for Avery. I just really miss her. Today I could hear her saying "mommy where is my seat. . . . .I want to help you and Grandmother. . . . . mommy can I have a brownie bite. . . . . mommy what is that." Oh I miss that sweet little voice. I miss our family meals, I miss our family game nights, I miss being a mommy, and I miss being a wife. Life has just seemed so unfair lately. I just know that I have to pray harder and focus now on the future and what it holds.

Thank you all so much for stopping by to check in. Please continue to pray for us all. Please pray for all of those that undergoing treatment right now. Please pray for Bayleigh as she is in Hawaii and has the flu. Please pray especially for all of the parents out there that have lost their little ones. Don't forget the super tight extra long hugs! Until Next Time. . . . . Missing Avery more than ever. . . . . Gene Ann

September 16, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Happy Birthday Dan, Janna, Miller, Mary Harbin and Caden. I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with tons of surprises. Eat cake first today and think of Avery.

More later. . . . .Missing Avery like crazy today. . . . . . Gene Ann

September 14, 2009

Hello Everybody,

Vacation is almost over:( I'm not ready to go back to work. I still have stuff to do. Oh, well just a few more weeks and I'll be off for four days again. I have been busy!

Thursday I got a few things done around the house. I finally had time to look for some things I have not been able to find. Found most of them. Thursday night was the Relay for Life committee meeting. This went well and next years Relay is going to be incredible. The Relay Chairs have been working hard to map out a wonderful event. I will be chairing accounting again. This year I have a few people that are going to help so this should make it super easy. They are all working hard to make it easy, fun and a super fundraiser.

Friday morning I drove to Birmingham to meet Grandmother and pick up a few things that a friend needed to borrow for a special event. We did some looking around but really were not in shopping moods. I rushed home to get Angie the stuff she needed. Then it was time to grocery shop. The rest of the day I spent cooking. Something I have not done much of lately. I made up for it in one day. I was ready for some real food.

Saturday morning Angie brought back the stuff she had borrowed so we loaded my car to the top. I dropped Pilot off at the doggy resort for the weekend. I headed to Jasper for Caden's second birthday party. He will be two on the 16th. It was fun watching him and the little ones at his party. From Caden's party Grandmother and I headed for Sammy and Sherri to watch the game. We again had too much food. I took the chocolate cake I had baked the night before. Lydie came and got me and said "I want another brownie. . . . I really like your brownies!" This reminded me of Avery because she never turned down anything that had chocolate and looked like a brownie. The game was great! ROLL TIDE! Of course I had a toastmaster conference call right at kick off. Good thing I was able to mute myself.

Sunday started very early. We used my cell phone number for a letter that went out for an event at work. Some lady called before 6:30 to RSVP for the event thinking it was just a voice mail extension. I think I will re-think that next time. Oh well I needed to be up anyway to get ready for Ride for Kids. The ride was incredible. Last year I rode for my first time with Gwen and Molly. This year I rode on the back without a side car. It was a beautiful ride. The weather could not have been more perfect. I was very happy that I took my jacket because it got chilly a time or two. The best part of the ride was making two laps around the track at Barber Motor Sports Museum. Although we wanted to go faster but the bike in front of us kept slowing down. Let's just say it gave me a good idea of what I should do for my 40th birthday and I have a little over a year to save for the event. It was great seeing Molly (and family), Bayleigh (and family), Karissa (and family), Nena, Jim the Ride for Kids task force (Bill, Joyce, Anita, Roy, Stacey). What an event! Wonderful as always. From Ride for Kids Grandmother, Granddaddy and myself went and grabbed some lunch. I then went to GiGi's for a few hours to wait for time for Kandles for Kids. Kandles was very touching as always. I really enjoyed seeing Nurse Kelly, Mrs. Rhonda, Paul, Mr. Richard and everyone that was there. It was so good to see some of Avery's little friends that I have not seen in quite a while. The day was filled with emotion but was such a wonderful day of remembering those little ones that lost their battles. It was a day of honoring those that still fight and celebrating those that have won. I will do everything I possibly can from now on to make sure more win than loose. With enough focus we can win the war!

Now, on my last day of vacation I am frantically trying to get done the things I have put off that need to be done before returning to work tomorrow morning. I just picked up Pilot from the doggy resort to find out she didn't do very well in group play. She does not play well with others. What am I going to do with her. I guess Hand in Paw is out for her.

Thank you all so much for stopping by to check up on what has been going on. Please continue to pray for us all. Please pray for a cure. Please pray for all of those out there that are fighting the beast. Remember to pray for Molly, Krissy, Bayleigh, Matt and all of the others. Please pray for those parents that have lost their little ones. Now, don't forget the super tight extra long hugs. Until Next Time. . . . . . Missing Avery more than ever. . . . . . .Gene Ann

September 9, 2009

Hello Everybody,

I'm slacking again. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day for me. I go, go, go until I just fall over. Things have been quite crazy but that is the norm for me. However maybe I can get caught up while on vacation this week. Yes, that is right I started vacation tonight after I finished my shift. I don't have to be back until Tuesday the 15th.

Work is good but draining. I was named Charity Day co captain last week. This just means more that I have to pack into my days. But the busier the better. Life is good! I am having some fun and getting out more. Pilot seems to be adjusting. She is for the most part a good lap dog (when inside). As for the rest of the time she is still a very spunky, overly active, very loud little dog. But I love her anyway.

I have to give a big "ROLL TIDE!" for Avery. What a game. I think they showed Big Al more than ever during the game. Back when Avery was fascinated with Big Al we would watch for him and it seemed they never showed him. Just about every commercial break they showed him last weekend. I would just laugh and say "there's Big AL!" I would think of Avery every time. Well, the new house has been broken in with its first tailgating event. It was quite fun of course winning always makes a get together better. The food was incredible and as always much more than was needed but for those that know me know simple is not in my vocabulary.

Tomorrow night I have a committee meeting for Relay for Life. I will probably take a friend to the doctor tomorrow day. Saturday I will be going to Jasper for a birthday party and to watch the game. Sunday is Ride for Kids:) I think I will probably be riding with Gwen again this year. I can't wait to see Molly and family! Grandmother and Granddaddy are going with me this year. Last year I went by myself I think it was the hardest thing I have ever done. It was so painful. This year is going to be different though I see a happy day a day of celebrating and remembering Avery.

Thank you all so much for stopping by to check in on what's happening in my world. Thank you all most especially for your prayers. Please keep praying for us all. Please pray for all of the children out there are fighting the beast. Please pray for all of those that have lost their children. Don't forget the super tight extra long hugs. Until Next Time. . . . . . . Missing Avery so very much . . . . . . Gene Ann

September 1, 2009

Hello Everybody,

I'm back up and running:) I would like to thank Dan for getting my blog back up and running. Due to technical difficulties he had to make me a new blog page because the old journal is damaged. Oh well I'll take anything I can get at this point.

Work is good. Since gift with purchase is over things have really slowed down. This just gives me more time to do the little things I have been putting off for some time now. I'm hoping to get back to running/walking in the next week or so. There is going to be a half marathon in Montgomery sometime in November and I have to get ready!

I am excited about football season! I can't wait to watch the tide on Saturday. I really have been missing Avery and all of her antics with Big Al and David. She loved Big Al and yelling "Roll Tide!" I was thinking back to the first game two years ago when she had left Big Al in Tuscaloosa at Natileigh's house. She had to call him on the phone and tell him "Big Al you better get to the game. . . . get out of the sprinklers and get to the game NOW!" She was so funny! Oh how I miss that.

Thank you all so much for stopping by to check in. Thank you for your prayers and keep praying for us all. Please pray for all of those children out there that are still fighting the fight. Please pray for all of those that have lost their children. Don't forget those super tight extra long hugs. Until Next Time. . . . . . . Missing Avery like crazy. . . . . . Gene Ann