It seems that everything has been slow lately. I’ve noticed not very many people are posting. I can relate.
I’ve been helping Mary Ann. Her hair is growing back after the chemo, we went to get her a trim, and ended up browsing a few antique and gift shops. Hey, no complaints here!
She has Italian plums growing out at her place, so, today I’m canning plums and making jam.
I’m a big fan of, Maroon 5, so I have them blasting to keep me energized.
I’ve been feeling down. I found out that one of my best friends in high school died of a brain aneurysm about 2 weeks ago. He was part of the "group" that I hung with, and he ended up marrying "Dan’s" sister, you know my friend since 2nd grade.
I’m going to give her a call, but, I’ve put it off. What can I say that will make any difference? He was such a great guy.
This came on top of other bad news, and I’ve been trying to stay as positive as I can.
Good news, "lil man" Gauge, is going to be 1 yr old in October. He’s doing great and has really gotten big. He reminds me of a little, red haired, blue eyed, elf. I’m gonna go visit so I can be there for the party.
I love and appreciate you all. BIG HUGS, Steph (Mustang Sally is for Jess! It’s one of my all time favorites too!)
Gauge with one of his nurses from the NICU. Some of them stop by for visits.
Kitty's Cattitude 
Sep 13, 2007 @ 13:56:52
Wow!! Those baby blues just jump right out at you! I\’m sure you\’re beside yourselfevery time you\’re around him… what a little doll. Steph, I love you, girly. Change isin the air, and things will be rearranged.. you can count on it. 😉
Sep 13, 2007 @ 14:05:08
What a precious child!! Red hair and blue eyes….my wife is a natural redhead with green eyes. Each time you feel a little down just take a peek at Gauge. The sweet innocence of children is one of life\’s greatest blessings. But you already know that for sure. Always enjoy your space and value the updates on the matters of your heart. I sincerely wish you and loved ones all the best life has to offer. Cancer is so very awful (it took my dad and brother-in-law), but I\’ve seen enough to know that we should never give up. So many have beat the odds. Strength and honor continue to be your guide. Peace will find you if you seek….often when least expected. Thank you for the trust of your Internet friendship.
J.W.L.
Sep 13, 2007 @ 15:47:18
What a cutie pa tootie. My gosh has it been a year? He is absolutely adorable. He makes you want to scoop him up and give him a big cuddley hug and lots of sloppy kisses. Sorry to hear about all the bad news your way. I hope things look up soon. I have not been blogging lately because there is simply nuthin going on in my life.
Sep 13, 2007 @ 15:48:49
OMG plum jam!! I\’ll trade you some canned tomatoes.
🙂
Sep 13, 2007 @ 15:53:23
One year already….Look at tat little big man…Ahhh!!!
He is going to grow up and be a fine young man.
I was thinking today of all the blogs that have come and gone.
Or they close one down and start another.
But we are still kickin\’…Your are a couple of survivors eh???
You all be well, Gregster
Sep 13, 2007 @ 16:20:51
Wow.. the lil guy isnt so lil anymore..lol
Sorry to hear about ur old friend.. I would say call her.. just tell her u heard the new n wanted to extend ur sympathies hun.. about all you can do. Maybe recall some old happier times with her…
I know i havent posted alot on my new blog ( new cause MSN sucks !!!!!!! n they deleted my old one… 😦 )
Just glad u n Bob still stop by n say hi 😉
Bigger hugs back
ZePp
Sep 13, 2007 @ 16:45:32
Gauge DOES look like a lil red-haired Elf!! A BIG Elf! He sure has grown in a year. Sorry about all of your bad news lately. You should call your friend. That\’s what you would tell me to do
That plum jam sounds terrific!!!
xoxo, Bob~
Sep 13, 2007 @ 18:32:49
Happy looking little fellow.
Sep 13, 2007 @ 23:26:52
Can guys get broody???!!!
Sorry to hear about your friend. Dont put off that call though. Even if you dont know what to say. A familure voice at this time can help big time, whatever words it utters. Trust me. Silence can be just as painful.
YOu take care
Hugs
Chris
Sep 13, 2007 @ 23:37:28
I read your post about making peach pie. That\’s awesome. I won\’t be trying it though. It would probably frickin explode in the microwave on me… I can\’t cook at all. You did say cook it in the microwave, right???
😉
Sep 14, 2007 @ 01:47:36
Hi Steph,
Hey, I\’m sorry about the loss of your high school friend. And sorry you have been down of late.
Gauge is looking great 🙂 Glad to hear you are making plans for a visit to see him soon! Visit me too .. lol. (Wouldn\’t that be grand .. lol)
~Nooner~
Sep 14, 2007 @ 08:57:43
OMFG Steph Gauge is so damn adorable it is not even funny ! I wanna just cuddle him !
Ok not only did you do Mustang Sally…but the CCR one ! You are awesome !!!
Now, about that plum jam, any chance I can HAVE SOME ?!?!?!?
Sep 14, 2007 @ 12:49:47
Wow! What a cute elf!! How early was he? I\’d guess about 28-30 weeks or so… looks like he\’s coming along great! Sorry I missed all that story. I\’ll have to go back and find it in your archives..
hugs and love,
Jean
Sep 14, 2007 @ 14:53:18
Rain, Yep they sure do jump out at ya! His Dad has eyes like that, and eye lashes that make women jealous. lol I love you too! I hope change is in the air, I\’m ready!
JW, Children are angels on earth! Your wife is a redhead huh? You brave man! LOL (teasin) I have brother\’s and a sister who are redheads and they were the ones that had no fear, got into all kinds of trouble, quick tempered and stubborn with a capitol S! lol
I\’m told that Gauge is very stubborn, which could be one of the reasons he\’s still upon this earth (the main one being God and so many prayers) but he comes by that stubborn naturally! lol Thank you for your always, kind and positive comments. I really appreciate it.
Kat! I understand about nothing to blog about… me too! Yep, I\’m afraid he gets lots of kisses and luvins, and then my girls fight over him with me. lol
Hi Greg! Yep, he\’s gonna be a year old, and you had a part in him being here. I know that your prayers helped, and your support for me has always been welcome. I can\’t tell you how much it\’s meant to me.
I\’m so very glad that you are still around. Yep we are survivors, and friends. Who would have known when I first came across your new blog?! I\’m glad I did.
Zeppers, I\’m glad you started a new blog. Yes, I\’ll call her, and try to remind her of all the fun, goofy things we did. I just feel helpless and still in some shock. Now, quit admiring that new bike, and get back to work! lmao
Bob, Yep he sure does! I keep remembering when I went to see him in the NICU, how small his feet were and they were transparent. I was scared to death. It\’s a shock how big he\’s gotten, but, a very good shock!
Nick can\’t wait to be able to have him meet you and Becky!
I\’ll call my friend, you\’re right, I would have told you to call too!
Laoch, he should be happy! He lacks for nothing and he gets what he wants when he wants it! lmao He\’s a bit spoiled, but hey! lol
Yellow, Guys sure can! It\’s very understandable.
I won\’t put off calling her. I appreciate your point of view on this, and know that it comes from your experience and heart. Thank you.
MEGA! My favorite Evil Genius! Glad to see you are allowed out of the "lab" once in awhile.
You always make me laugh…. I know you ENJOY exploding those microwaves, and NO, you would have to use something called… get a pencil and write it down… called, an OVEN! I know, never heard of it, have you? LMAO
Hi Nooner! He is doing great and growing like a weed! I\’m really excited to see him and be able to kiss and love on him.
Visiting you would be very fun, and probably pretty darn dangerous! LOL
Hi Jess! The last time I got to see him was in April and on the way home my youngest and I both talked about how much we missed him already. We all fight over who gets to kiss on him. lol The boy is gonna have a complex I tell ya.
CCR version is the best! I\’m a CCR fan anyway. lol
Plum jam for you and Kat… when should I expect ya? lol
Jean! He was born Oct 18th, but was due the following Feb. He weighed in at 1lb, and for a long time it was touch and go. So many wonderful people were praying for him, and sending good thoughts. Look at him now! He\’s on a very small amount of oxygen during the night and they still have to be careful about who he\’s around (sickness wise) but he\’s doing GREAT! I\’m so excited to go see him!
My son Nick, his Dad, started walking (actually running) about 10 months of age, and never stopped or slowed down. He kept me on my toes and was always getting into stuff. I told him to hang on cause that\’s what Gauge was gonna do to him! LMAO
Sep 14, 2007 @ 20:21:14
Its been awhile thought I\’d drop by and say hello. That is one gorgeous little guy!!
Sep 15, 2007 @ 03:29:49
hiya steph!
i\’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend! that must hurt deeply (hugs)
i love the picture of gauge! I feel brighter already this morning! just for seeing him …
If you are free This Sunday, try to come by my space?
cos THATS the day the teddy bears are having their Picnic! ;p
mags x
Sep 15, 2007 @ 05:14:38
Aww, beautiful baby. 🙂
Sep 18, 2007 @ 19:58:37
There\’s nothing more beautiful than a smile that struggles through tears and hardship. Good to hear that Mary Ann\’s hair is growing back after the chemo. I am really REALLY sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Every passing life leaves something beautiful behind… like memories. We can never be separated from those we love…because God leaves us with memories to hold and love that doesn\’t pass away. May those memories bring you and others peace and comfort. I think you should make the call… the sooner the better… even if your voice shakes a little. Better to say something than saying nothing and wishing that you had. Don\’t think of it as "…What can I say that will make any difference?.." Think of it as you reaching out to someone and letting them know above everything and anything else… that you are there sharing their loss with them……… how priceless is that pic of Gauge!!!!
Cheers to you Steph! ((hugs))
Sep 24, 2007 @ 13:53:43
Not many people are reading either. The little redhead is cute, I mean that in a non-pervy way. Sorry about the friend – it sucks as the old pals fall away. It is gfetting so I can count on knowing someone headlining in the Sunday obits about every other week. I\’m brushing up my own resume in case they neeed inspiration for mine. I don\’t want to see a load of crap there, like I was nice or something…