Just an update on my Aunt. Yesterday she was moved to a step-down part of the icu. She is able to use her right side but not much movement on her left. They removed a part of her skull and put it in her stomach until they can go back in there and replace it. She does have movement on her right side but not much on her left. The doctors are saying that if she comes home she will have to go to a nursing home. We don't know what the future holds for her but we are blessed to still have her and we will cross that bridge when we come to it. thank you again for the prayers. The doctors are amazed that she is still with us and they have made the comment over and over again, that it was prayers and the bond she has that has with her family that has allowed her to make it this far.

I just want to thank all of you for your kind words and all the prayers. things have been turned upside down around here. My Mom's sister was complaining with a headache last Sunday so she went to the er. She walked into in the er but two hours later, she couldn't walk or talk. She was having a lot of bleeding on the brain. The done surgery to stop the bleeding and Thank God, the bleeding did stop. She has been in the icu for 9 days now. We all have been taking turns staying over there. I would like to ask if you would remember her and my family in your prayers. The doctors are saying that prayer is the only thing that has brought her this far.

As I sit here and write this post my heart is heavy and has been for several weeks. I haven't been posting regular for I have been busy but the true reason I have kept myself busy is because of this one reason, my son, Jon Brandon. His time is getting very close to be deployed out. I have found that if I have something to do then my mind doesn't wander but inside I'm still crumbling. I kept thinking that maybe he wouldn't have to go but the other day I recieve my shirt from his troop that we are to wear to help support him and his troop and that's when it hit , this is for real. Yesterday he pulled out to go to some training and will be gone for awhile. I didn't even get to say goodbye. I don't like saying goodbye, I did text him yesterday and told him that I loved him. Hopefully, I will hear from him today. I have watched this child of mine grow up to be such a caring and mature man. He is full of compasion, love and is a born leader. I know that now his mind is on to defending our country but I do know that inside his heart is the love he has for his family, his little red-headed soon-to-be wife, the love for farming, animals, and the greastest love of all, God. I do know that he loves me, but I can't help but wonder if he knows how much I love him. For now his attention is on to protecting all of us and keeping our country safe, but I know that the minute he gets home, my little solider will be climbing on a tractor just to make another round, or climbing in the saddle to ride for a little solace time.

Well, we finally pulled the horse show off. I had to be at the ag center by 6 that Saturday morning to help set everything up. I was beginning to get worried that no one was going to show but by 10:30 everybody started showing up. We had a great horse show along with an awesome auction. I know that everyone is feeling the squeeze of having a hard time with money right now but let me tell ya, those people were buying cakes and pies for well over $60.00. Some of the cakes and pies went for well over $100.00. The concession stand brought in a good amount of money. Everything that sold was donated, so nothing came out of our pockets for expenses. At the end of the day the total amount was right at $5,000.00. During the auction, the guy doing the auction made a comment about whenever there is a need that these horse people would be there for ya. Well, yea we are but I like to think it's the southern hospitality. It's what us southerns do, when someone is need, we all pull together. I guess it's something about living in a small town where everyone knows everyone's business.

Here it is nearly the end of the week and I'm still trying to find my way. What a busy weekend and first of the week we have had. Friday night found us at David's graduation . There was 138 students that graduated that night. Thank goodness, it didn't last that long. Saturday found me going to another graduation. Brian's girlfriend graduated from Hickory Flatt that afternoon . Sunday found us cleaning up around here . Kc and the men worked on his building spot and Emily and I washed clothes and grocery shopped. Monday found us doing the same thing as of Sunday . JB and Abbie came over and Abbie and Emily got into the pool . We grilled out that afternoon and the evening found the men getting into the hottub to work out their sore muscles. I have been going and gathering things up for the benefit horse show which is next weekend. Also been trying to get things together for the rodeo that is this Saturday night here in Pontotoc. Brian and me are both signed up to ride. My garden is coming up beautifully but really need to get out there and use a hoe. Noticed I had grass growing in between the rows. Sure do wish one of the kids would act up so I can put them out there.lol The weather has been nice but a little hot but hey, it's summer!!! This post is going to be short and maybe one day I can actually post some pictures and catch up with everyone. As for now, this is a busy time for us so please forgive me if I haven't drop by and checked on any of you. Hope you and yours have a blessed week

...AIN'T CHANGED THAT MUCH!!!!!

From the crib to the desk, that smile always gleamed,
on through his life, his size could hide the mischief unseen.
As the years trotted by, his passions, they grew.
Always love of a farm, ponies, dogs and mules.
All dirt and grins, whats he done now and such,
But ya know... he ain't changed that much.

He siled through junior high and on into a cap and grown,
All the parties and 'pullings' and crusing the square uptown.
He's not much bigger now, in his stature, as he stands
From the first hop on to the school bus and now
with diploma in hand.
I watched him grow, he rarely knowing the hearts he did touch,
But ya know, now I think about it...he ain't really changed that much!

Now his caps cocked to the side-he's graduated-
Now off with the clan.
He walked on to the field a boy
Now he jumps into the truck a man.
He has a 'rep' to uphold
And moments he has to prove,
But thank the Man up above,
His heart and courage, they never moved,
He's now a fine yound man and his heart-still that gentle touch,
But ya know....all throughout...He ain't changed that much!!

In a world of chaos, where nothing stays the same
And lots of misplaced luck,
I'm really glad, my David, really hasn't changed that much!!!!!

This week has flown by for me. I sit here and wonder where did the week and weekend go. I have been busy with the planning with benefit horse show and now I'm having to milk twice a day and bottle feed the little ones. I was hoping to use my daughter's camera this weekend and get pictures for ya'll but will have to wait till another date I'm afraid. I did plant some more eggplants, squash, cucumbers and also got some flowers planted around the edge of the garden. Saturday found all of us cleaning our vehicles and getting things loaded up for the rodeo which was 1 1/2 hours away. We got home close to midnight Saturday night and believe I was ready for bed when we pulled into the driveway. Got home and Emily and Lamar was in the hottub. I thought about getting in but was scared I would go to sleep so I went on to bed. Today found me at the laundry mat for my washer has tore up. I had 6 washers going then it took 5 dryers but I did get all our clothes washed and dried, now I just need to put them up. We did get our little billys banded today. Thank goodness we only had 3 to do. We put all the goats into the pen and had David catching them. It didn't take long at all. When I went out to feed, it had started raining and there was a big beautiful rainbow over behind the barn. We had potroast, mac-n-cheese, and cornbread for supper. Maybe this coming week won't be as busy as this past week and maybe I can catch up with everyone. I sure have miss everyone. OH, went to the mailbox Saturday and in the mail I recieved a shirt, sticker, and a nice little not from Meg over at www.maryjanesfarm.org. That really made my day. Thanks Meg and Mary Jane for all that you do. I sit down and read your books and magazine and I feel like I personally know each and everyone of you