Happy Mother's Day!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

I hope all the moms out there have a wonderful day filled with only love and joy! 

Whew! Good News on Dad!

Thank you for the prayers and positive thoughts! They did the test on my Dad and could not find any new blockages or anything that required treatment or surgery! YEA! The original stent is still doing it's job and they think the pain he was experiencing was from that original blockage site. He didn't have to spend the night and is home resting for a few days to let the puncture site heal. I spent a few hours with hims this afternoon and he look great.... tired but doing well. That is a load off my mind and my nerves! Thank you again!

Needing Some Good Thoughts

I am super nervous and I could sure use some good thoughts, positive vibes and prayers if you're so inclined. My Dad is having a procedure done tomorrow to check to see if there is any blockage in his veins. Not quite a year and half ago, he had to have this done and they found a blockage in a tricky and dangerous spot. They were initially unable to get through the blockage to put in a stint so he had to go to another hospital where they succeeded. He has done very well until recently and they are concerned that another blockage is causing his symptoms. If they find anything, they will attempt to place a stent. 
I can generally distance my feelings when there is am emergency and I can generally handle blood and things, (with the exception of vomit), except when it is a family member or someone I care deeply about. Tonight, I am nervous and scared. I should be asleep, but I think it's going to be a very long night.......

Watching Old Movies

Today was a quiet day. We didn't do much of anything since the Big Guy had a headache. We didn't go anywhere. So we surfed the oceans of channels on the satellite for something that would interest us. I found The Pride of the Yankees (1942) starring Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig on Turner Classic Movies. I like old movies. The guys generally don't, but big guy does like "true stories" and he doesn't like watching movies we have seen 14 gazillion times, so I selected it. I figured if he commented or acted really bored with it, I'd turn it off. Little Guy wasn't interested, but we watched the whole thing and it was pretty good! We're not big sports nuts, but this was more focused on what kind of man Lou Gehrig was.. The movie was very good. I search Lou Gehrig after the movie was over and read a little more about him. It seems he was a very decent man, even more so than the movies was able to paint. In his time, Lou Gehrig was a rock star of the baseball diamond, hugely famous for his stats, but he also was well remembered for being humble and when he knew his health was preventing him from benefiting the team he loved, he drew even more admiration for stepping back so he wouldn't hinder his team or his teammates. His farewell speech was an awesome example of his humble spirit. That old movie didn't go further than that point in his life, but in reading about him I learned that after stepping out of the baseball spotlight, he accepted a ten year appointment by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia as the New York Parole Board Commissioner. Even though he had been offered other, more lucrative speaking and and guest appearances, he accepted the Commissioner post because it gave him the opportunity to do public service. He took the job seriously and visited the city's correction facilities, always insisting that the visits NOT be covered by the media. 

Sadly, a little less than a year and a half after beginning his term as Parole Board Commissioner, he resigned because the ALS had made it impossible for him to continue the job. About a month later and 16 years to the day that he had replaced Wally Pipp on first base, Lou Gehrig died at his home. 

There are some people that truly deserve to be remembered and Lou Gehrig is one of them. He was a decent, humble man and he had immense integrity. And he didn't let those qualities fade away because he became famous. I am very glad we stopped and watched this movie. I might not have looked to read more about him if we hadn't. 

Going To The County Fair

Saturday night we took our son and two of his cousins to the Fair. I usually get to take the Little guy to the fair once or twice, but I usually grab one of his other cousins and it's the three of us. This year we had a crowd! The Big Guy is a Lion's Club member, so he was working in the snack bar for a few hours so Granny, PawPaw, the three kids and I hit the rides and the midway to play games.

Granny and the kids

~~*~~ Fun & Games ~~*~~

Waiting for our turn to ride the Ferris Wheel

Looking out from the Ferris Wheel

Arial View from the Ferris Wheel

Taking a break to eat

My Blanket won first place!

Second place for my woven bag
(if there is no other entry in the category,
second place is awarded) 

Waiting to go.....

Lifting off!

The YoYo through my 3-D lens

LEAN!!! Trying to make it really spin!

Playing the Ping Pong ball game, trying to win fish

Throwing darts at balloons

They got me to ride this!!!!

Fish, Funnel Cakes and we were finished!

The Ferris Wheel With my 3-D lens




We had a lot of fun, but were a little disappointed that some rides we were looking forward to riding were not there this year. I was really looking forward to riding what used to be called the Round-Up. It was there last year, but they didn't bring it back. :(

Do you go to the Fair in your town? What's your favorite ride? 

Happy Father's Day!

     Father. Dad. Papa. Pop. Whatever you call him one thing is for sure. He is one of a kind. We are shaped and molded and become the people we are by the people and experiences in our lives. Our Dads play an important if not fully understood role. Most of us grow up knowing the role our mother's play. That too is a complicated relationship, but with Dad's it's different and I'm not sure they fully (or any of us) understand how much influence they have on us.

A young man in the Navy

      For much of my young life my dad was working. He was in the Navy, then he had a job that took him away for days, even a week or so at a time. He worked hard and even won awards for his job performance. Somehow in his absence and in part because of our mom, we respected him for his role as head of the family. He was everything from a truck driver, to a Safety Man over a fleet of trucks, to an auto body man that did show quality paint jobs, to a hospice chaplain and Clown.  Our dad didn't "rule" by fear but we did get disciplined when we had behaved badly. He was fair and honest. He talked TO us, not at us. He taught us things we probably didn't even know were life lessons at the time. He was also so much fun! He made us shaped pancakes. We could tell him what we wanted and in minutes there would be a pancake in the shape of Mickey Mouse's head, a giraffe, even money, with different sizes for each of your "coins". He took his vacation time from work during the Summer and we camped at the lake for at least a week. One Christmas we went out of state to his parent's house. It was not the most pleasant trip (a whole other story!). We arrived back home in the very early hours of either Christmas day or the day after. We were tired, worn out and after the dismal trip just ready to be home. We we sure Santa had passed by our house since no one had been there and there were no milk and cookies for him. When we opened the door three kids lit up brighter than the sun and two tired parents were delighted to see their kids joy. It seemed the room was completely filled from the corner where the Christmas tree was almost to the door! All the weariness melted away and we were transformed into laughing smiling faces. I didn't find out until many years later that mom and dad had given one of my best friend's dad the key to our house so he could put the presents out in their absence. Even as an adult the memory of coming through that door makes me smile. Because of Dad's hard work, strong ethics, Mom's love and support of him, their unified teamwork and their love for their children, we had a childhood filled with great memories. There were still bad things and tough times we went through, but without the family I was blessed with, those time would have been a lot worse and I would not have become the person I am.
     As an adult I have a completely different relationship with my Dad. It has evolved into a more than just being his daughter. He is my friend. I can talk to him about adult things and still have tons of fun with him. Last year he got very sick and only after an exam did we find out he had had a heart attack and had to have stents put in to open a clogged artery. Thankfully he recovered and is much better now. It was so scary sitting in that hospital thinking we might lose him. Even now those kind of thoughts bring tears to my eyes. Even as adults, our family needs him... I need him. We are still evolving, changing, growing. I am not done learning from him (I WILL get the hang of making balloon art, I promise, Dad!)

A whole new personality!

     Because of the man he was when I was growing up I became the person I am. And because of his example, I married a man who has been the best father to our son. My husband is setting good examples for our son teaching him things that will stay with him forever and guide him through life. I have watched my husband morph from a high school boy through college graduate, to a husband, to a business man and to a father. Again, a life not without problems or troubles, but one filled with unique experiences that could have only become treasured memories because of him. The are our own, unique and one of a kind to us. I can only pray that when my son is reflecting on his childhood that the force of the happy times, fun memories and lessons he learned bring him an appreciate and gratitude that he knows is irreplaceable. I know that because of the man his dad is, he is already well on his way to becoming a fine man. 

I have been blessed with men in my life that were and are positive influences and role models. I am blessed that I am still able to able to learn from them. Above all I am blessed to have them here with me in this life. I love you Dad. Thank you for all it all. I love you honey. Thank you for being the Dad you are. I could not ask for more. 

A Hands-On Dad

Building Memories

To all the dad's out there. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY. 

Summer Fun Giveaway Event 5 Winners!!

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Summer Fun Giveaway Event

Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8

It warming up. The kids are out of school. It's time for some FUN!!  Your family will stay entertained with one of these great prizes!

Prize Package Includes:

Skywalker Bounce-N-Learn Trampoline

Your little ones will love to get their bounce on in the Skywalker Trampolines 5-ft. Seaside Adventure Bouncer, which features a fun ocean theme and excellent bouncing capability. This fun bouncer offers a steel frame construction, woven jump mat with numbers, dual zipper enclosure. It's recommended for children 6-8 years of age and has a weight capacity of up to 100-pounds. Kids will love to jump and play as the secure elastic stretch bands provide bouncing fun.

Intex 10' x 30" Metal Frame Swimming Pool

Easy to set up, this Intex 10' x 30" Metal Frame Pool is supported by strong, durable steel frames, which are powder coated for rust resistance and beauty. Triple strong, super-tough laminated sidewalls of the Intex Metal Frame Swimming Pool are reinforced with an all-around band to keep frame legs firmly in place. For clean, refreshing water, connect the new economical and environmentally friendly Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter Pump. The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is an added safety feature that shuts off the pump if electrical current is exposed to water.

Glenmeadow 6-Piece Folding Patio Dining Set with Umbrella

The Glenmeadow 6-Piece Patio Dining Set comes with four chairs that fold flat for storage, a glass-top table and an umbrella that is easy to open and close. This patio dining set with umbrella is covered in 100-percent outdoor furniture sling fabric that is UV-rated fade-resistant and constructed of durable, powder-coated steel. Each chair of this patio dining set with umbrella holds up to 200 lbs and comes with a safety lock feature. The table is tempered glass and scratch resistant. Your folding dining set cleans easily with soap and water.

Flexible Flyer Swing Free Metal Swing Set

The Flexible Flyer Swing Free Metal Swing Set will provide backyard fun all summer long. This swing set allows your kids to play and get some exercise at the same time. It comes with four different activities that can keep up to six kids busy and active. The sturdy, steel frame of this backyard swing set is built to last and can have parents feeling confident that their kids are safe. The swings, trapeze swing, air glider and slide provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

20" Huffy Rock It Boys' Bike

The Huffy Rock It 20" Boys' Bike has just what he needs to have a great adventure. It has a quick adjustable seat post for your growing teen and the padded seat is fully decorated with the logo on it. The heavy duty steel black frame makes it sturdy, durable, and stylish. A single speed bicycle in black and blazing orange, it is fully equipped with coaster brakes for instant control while racing at high speeds. The attractive orange blast handlebars and rich black pedals with orange blast 28-spoke rims add to its trendy look. This steel frame bicycle is easy to assemble and includes the instruction manual.

Thank you to each reader who is taking the time to visit, read and entering to win this amazing summer fun prize package. Please take a moment to also visit our lovely co-hosts whom without them great things such as these would not be possible: 365 Things to Do In Southwest Florida, Celebrate Woman Today, My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life, Coupons In Motion, The Stuff of Success, Budget Earth and Baby Costcutters.

Five lucky people will win! Each receiving one of the following: Skywalker Bounce-N-Learn Trampoline, Intex 10' x 30" Metal Frame Swimming Pool, Glenmeadow 6-Piece Folding Patio Dining Set with Umbrella, Flexible Flyer Swing Free Metal Swing Set & 20" Huffy Rock It Boys' Bike!

Giveaway ends June 24th at 11:59pm, open to US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. The happy Clown With A Frown is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!