dreary blog...but it gets better! Long Blog.

Last Saturday was my uncles funeral. It was not what I expected at all, and I was honestly a little weirded out by it. I'll explain. Like I said before, my uncle was in prison most of my life there for I was unable to form any kind of relationship/bond with him. It was a little strange for me to attend a viewing for someone that I didn't know but my dad wanted me there so I went. Because the family isn't huge anymore, and my uncle had no money of his own, someone else had to be responsible for the funeral arrangements, and therefor they decided on the lower amount route (which was fine with me). There wasn't any type of formal service although my cousin, Kim, stood up and spoke great and honest words. It was very nice. Basically, all it was was a viewing and a chance to say goodbye before he was cremated the following day. Because a lot of money was not spent and he was being cremated, there was no casket, no dress clothes, no makeup....the usual things you see at a viewing. It was a little disturbing to me as there he was, on a gurney covered up with sheets. All we could see was his face. So in the words of my cousin...it looked like a head on a table. I could have gone without seeing this. It was a little too morbid for me. They had performed an autopsy on him the day before so I knew under the sheet was just a dead, cut up body. Luckily for me, and I'm sure a few others...it didn't last long. We were only there for about 20 minutes before we all ended up outside visiting with each other. My dad invited the family back to his house to visit and eat lunch! It was really nice to see that side of the family all together! We have been doing Christmas together with his side the last couple of years...but before then there was a huge (probably a 10-15 year) gap that we didn't get together for anything except maybe weddings and funerals...I'm glad that we are all able to spend time together now...

So my mom went to Dallas on Sunday to spend time with my Memaw and accompany her at the cancer Dr. on Tuesday. She had a whole list of questions that they needed answers to, and my mom said the Dr. was very nice and gave her all the information that my Memaw has been missing. He said that infact her liver is not working properly but it is not life threatening at this point, but if it got worse, she would not be a candidate for a transplant. That was very hard to hear. My Memaw has always told the doctors that she did not want an expectancy time, and that she would live as good as she could until it was time...but on Tuesday she asked the question. To our shock, the doctor said a year and a half. We are crushed! She asked about quitting chemo and the Dr. said that he has her scheduled through August and he advises her to continue through what she has scheduled, but after that they, will re-asses and he would let her know what he thinks about quitting or continuing on the chemo. I have a feeling she will no longer take it after August so she can feel good and live the rest at her fullest! She is still in good spirits somehow and has a smile on her face! I don't know how she does it, but its very inspiring! Her and my mom decided they are going to plan a vacation towards the end of this year, after August. I think this really gives my Memaw something to look forward to and the planning will keep her busy and her mind off the bad stuff!

Well next week is my best friend, Alexis', 24th Birthday! She is wanting to go and get a tattoo on Saturday and somehow I jumped on the bandwagon...Still waiting for the final YES from James though. I'm thinking to start, I want to get 3 stars on my foot...later, I will have them colored in! The three stars represent James, myself and our little precious angel, Cori! I will add more, if we decide to have more precious angels! SOO...we'll see what ends up happening. I showed my mom a picture of one I found on the internet and she said its cute, my dad said its trashy and says he doesn't approve...but, I'm sure he'll get over it! =)

Tonight Bridget (SIL) my friends Kristy and Allie are going to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!! We are seeing The Black Eyed Peas!!! I am soooo excited! I bet this will be a great concert! Tomorrow morning at work probably wont be too fun, but I'll manage!

Congrats to Kristen and Kent Vest on their 2nd little girl, Kallie! She is so beautiful!! Kensley will be the best big sister!! I can't wait to watch Miss Kallie grow just like I have watched Kensley grow!

Oh, from one of my earlier posts, I've lost 16 lbs but still have a long way to go....

Cruise is ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!! I'm super excited about this too!!!