A good night!

I had to share this photo of Z. Tonight I dropped Z off at my Aunt Kelli & Uncle Kelley's house while I went up to the hospital to see Mel. My Uncle has a motorcycle. When we walked up to their house Z spotted it and began saying "By-ke By-ke". He was so excited to see a bike. When I returned from the hospital we put Z on the bike. He LOVED IT! Thanks Kelli & Kelley for watching him while I went to see Mel! I appreciate it. He is still making a motorcycle noise and is saying "By-ke".

As for the update on Mel tonight....SHE IS DOING FABULOUS! I mean FABULOUS! I was so impressed with her color, her alertness, her lack of bandages and medical stuff, and most of all her positive attitude. She was doing great. She was beaming ear to ear that the cancer was gone!!! Of course she does have pain but that is what her morphine pump is for. She thanks God over and over for such a great day. Thank you again for your prayers, support, and e-mails. This has been a great day. A day that the Lord made. I will rejoice and be glad.

Mel's out of surgery!

I just got home from the hospital. I am please to report that Mel is doing great. Here are the details. She arrived at the hospital at 5:30 am with Ryan and her parents. She was taken back to surgery around 6:50 a.m. They told us that she would be in surgery approximately 4 hours. At 9 a.m. Dr. Cavanaugh came out and informed us that she was doing great. That the mastectomy was completed. He said the cancer was isolated to the right breast. Praise the Lord! At 11:00 a.m. Dr. Jeter the plastic surgeon came out to say that he was done with the reconstruction and placement of the expanders. Mel did fantastic!!! They were very pleased that she did not lose a lot of blood. After an hour in recovery she got a PRIVATE room. Another prayer request answered.

Currently, Melody is sleeping in her room. She will probably be out of it most of the day. Her family and I cannot thank you enough for your prayers. Please keep them coming. If I hear anything else I will be sure to update the blog. Mel's Cancer Free....Thanks be to God!

Pray for MEL

Tonight I am asking for a lot of prayers for my friend Melody. She is supposed to check in the hospital early tomorrow for her double mastectomy. There are a lot of specifics that you can pray for....(in no particular order)
* Pray for Melody that she can relax tonight and get a good night of rest.
* Pray for her husband, parents, and in-laws while they wait in the surgical waiting area tomorrow morning.
* Pray for her two year old Charley that she will be okay and understanding that her mommy cannot pick her up for a couple weeks.
* Pray for her surgeon & plastic surgeon that they will be able to remove all the cancer and that they will do their very best in putting her back together again.
* Pray for good news that the cancer is still contained to the tumor and that it is not in the lymph nodes or bloodstream.
* Pray for her nurses & caregivers.
* Pray that she gets a private room.

Any time you get a free moment please remember her in your thoughts and prayers. It's going to be a big day. I know that God is going to take good care of her and at the end of tomorrow she will be CANCER FREE. Thanks in advance for your prayers. If you would like to read Mel's story click HERE.

Peacock girls luncheon

Peacock Girls Luncheon
In the Photo (Left to Right): Lauren, Kathy, Donna, Lisa, Natalie, Rachel, Aunt Mary, and Me




Yesterday was a wonderful day. My sister and I got together with my Aunt Mary, my cousins Lisa, Donna, Kathy, Natalie, and Lauren. After my uncle Charlie passed away suddenly, we realized that we do not spend enough time together as a family. So we decided to get together for lunch, shopping, and girl time. We had a lot of fun. We went to Sandstone Gardens in Joplin and enjoyed a nice lunch in their bistro. Unfortunately, my mom was out of town at my aunts funeral in Pennsylvania, my Aunt Sharon was unable to come down, and my Aunt Lou was in St. Louis. We all decided that we would just have to do it again when everyone could be there.

Bye Bye Boobies!

This past week I hosted a party. It was not a birthday party, an anniversary party, or a party like I have ever been to before. It was a party celebrating life. It was a party showing love, support, and friendship. It was a Bon Voyage to Mel's Boobies party. You might wonder what it was. Well, as you know, my best friend Mel has breast cancer and will be having a double mastectomy this week. When she was first diagnosed she mentioned having a going away party for her boobies. So we did just that. We all got together in honor of Melody at a restaurant downtown. Here are some pictures of the party. If you want to see more click here to view Mel's photos.
Bon Voyage to Mel's Boobies Party Pictures

Cupcakes for the party

The guys at the party


This is what I have learned since Mel was diagnosed. Appreciate your family, appreciate your friends, appreciate your hair, appreciate your body (even if you would rather have that runway model physique), appreciate your church, and most of all appreciate your life and all that God has given you.

Awesome Weekend!

Warning...this is going to be a LONG blog. Kev, Z, and I had the best 4th of July Weekend. First, we spent the Fourth with both sets of our parents. We piled into my parents mini-van to head to Silver Dollar City. It was awesome. Z got to ride the Choo-Choo, we saw a Circus on Ice, rode the kiddie rides, and we shared lunch together. It was a great day as a family. On the evening of the 4th we went to the Wasson's to enjoy fireworks! Did I say enjoy? Zachary was scared out of his mind. But 30 minutes into it he realized it was not that bad. We had a great time with Mel, Ryan, and Charley.
SDC with Pa Pa Marv & Pops

Choo-Choo with Daddy

Riding the rides with mom


Saturday we dropped Z off with my parents and headed to St. Louis. We crashed at our good friends, Ryan & Becki's new house. It was a blast! We enjoyed every second with them. Dinner at the LARGEST Chinese buffet was the highlight of Kev's night. I enjoyed shopping at Babies R Us with Expectant Mommy Becki. The night was topped off by several games of Wii. It was so much fun. I wish you could see Becki bowl. I have never laughed so hard in my life. I wish I videoed it. Our visit at Hotel DE Moss was so great. Thank you guys!
Kevin and Ryan at the largest Chinese Buffet I have ever seen.

The guys helping Becki select a glider for Miss Libby.



Then on Sunday we headed to Busch stadium. Kevin's co-workers gave us 2 tickets to the St. Louis Cardinals Game for his Christmas present. These were not "regular" tickets. They were tickets to the Champions Club. Boy, did we feel like champions. Air-condition, all you can eat buffet & drinks, seats on a shaded patio with a ceiling fan right on 3rd base. What more could we ask for? IT was awesome. Not too many things could top this day, unless the Cardinals could have won. We did pick up the coolest souvenir for the Z-man. It was a Build-A-Bear Fredbird. Kev selected 2 sounds to go in the bird...they really know how to get Daddy's to buy extras. We both made a wish and kissed the heart for this animal. It was hilarious. After the game, Kevin and I checked in to the Westin hotel right across from the stadium. Talk about luxury. I will post pictures of our room. If you are ever staying in St. Louis stay there!!!! After cooling off, we walked down to the Arch, to Lacede's landing, ate dinner at a local dive, and then returned to our room. It was so great spending time with Kev. We missed Zachary so much, but we knew he was being well taken care of and loved at my parents. He did not miss us at all. Thanks Mom & Dad!

Going into Busch Stadium Kev & Ryan

Hil & Beck going into the stadium

GO Cards!

Group Photo

In front of Champions Club!

Kev enjoying All you can eat Buffet

Build A FredBird Build-a-Bear


Monday morning we awoke in our "heavenly bed". It was great...again stay at The Westin. Kev walked several blocks to bring me a Starbucks. Isn't he great. We then drove down to Kevin's old stomping grounds. Hillsboro! We were only there for a short time but we saw most of the old and new places. We were thrilled to stop by our dear friends, Erick, Mary, Riley, and Carter's pad. We were expecting McDonalds for lunch but were happily surprised by Chef Bobby Flay..I mean Chef Erick. Gosh it was remarkable. Thank you guys! After the drive home we could not wait to see our little man. He greeted us at my parents door and was tickled with his souvenir.
Our luxurious hotel room.

Westin Hotel across from stadium

Mary, Erick, Riley, Carter and Casey

Back at home in his Build-A-Fredbird Box

Tonight we are both counting our blessings. We are so truly blessed with an awesome family and wonderful friends.

Happy 4th Decorations!

I recently have receive a few e-mails from friends to see if I decorated my house for Independence Day. In previous blogs I have shared my holiday decorations and they wondered if I forgot to post my summer decorations. With everything that has happened this summer with my family, Mel, and stuff, I have been slow to post my decorations. There has been SO much more on my mind than silly decorations. This morning I actually had a free second to post my decorations. So here are my decorations. I hope everyone has a nice 4th of July. Enjoy your 3 day weekend and time with family, friends, and food. Love HIL

Front Door Wreath


Hanging Stars over my basement stairs


Table decorations and photos


Up close of decoration stand


Kitchen Table Candle Decorations

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday. We got to celebrate last night at Hemingway's with the entire clan. It was fun. For those of you who know my dad, you know that he is a very sweet, caring man. He has always put his family first and he loves to tell stories. I am so thankful for everything he has taught me and shown me through the years. It makes me cry when I see how much he loves Zachary and my nephew, Elliott. He enjoys every second of being "POPS". Dad I hope you have a great day. We love you, H, K, & Z

Happy Birthday Aunt Rachel!

Zachary wanted to send a SHOUT OUT to his Aunt Rachel in honor of her birthday today.

I love you Aunt Rachel and I hope you have a great day. Love Zachy

60 years and counting

Ruey & Freddy holding Zachary 45 minutes after he was born.

Ruey and Zachary

Ruey & Freddy with Santa Clause on Christmas Eve


Today is my "grandparents" or should I say my "adoptive grandparents" 60th wedding anniversary. For those of you who know my Ruey and Freddy then you know what I mean about "grandparents". This is the short story....when my parents moved to a little bitty small town they became back door neighbors with this AMAZING family. These neighbors had 4 kids but no grandkids. Ruey and Freddy first adopted my parents and welcomed them with open arms. Then my sister and I arrived and they took us in under their wing and treated us like their grandkids. Then when "real" grandkids started to come into the world they continued to love us. No matter what! For the past 29 years (whose counting?) Ruey and Freddy have shown love to me and my entire family. They have been to all of my high school events (plays, choir concerts, church stuff, etc), all of my college events, and now all of my family's special occasions. They have been the best grandparents, since all of mine have passed away, I could have ever ask for.

Here are the top eleven things Ruey and Freddy have taught me:

11. Wear your seatbelt. (I opened Freddy's car door on his Lincoln Town Car when we were driving to Springfield. I was probably 4 years old. Ruey caught me, immediately shut the door, and said, "see that is why you wear your seatbelt."

10. You can never have too many pets. (Ruey & Freddy gave me several pets. One Christmas they gave me the best gift ever a black cat, then for my 4th b-day they gave me what I wanted...a pink farm pig, they have also given my family several rabbits, a goat, and more kittens.)

9. Snicker doodle cookies are the cure for your sadness. (I can't tell you how many shoe boxes of snicker doodles Ruey has sent to me over the years. No matter what state of mind I was in, they always cheered me and my roommates up.)

8. Never give up and keep trying. (They taught me how to roller skate when I was in kindergarten).

7. Be kind to every person you meet. (When Ruey meets someone for the first time she says "Nice to know you".)

6. Don't tell your elders NO! (Ask my sister she told Freddy no when she was 2 and got a spanking from Freddy)

5. Give to others in need. (Ruey and Freddy give so much of their time and earnings to others less fortunate.)

4. Love your spouse at all times. (Ruey & Freddy have loved each other for more than 60 years. Freddy does not miss a special occasion. Freddy always listens to Ruey even when he does not want to.)

3. You can never have enough family.(Ruey was an only child. She wanted a BIG family. When she could not have any more children. She adopted. When she wanted more grandkids then she found more...Me and My sister. Ruey and Freddy treat everyone like family.)

2. Put your family before yourself. ( I can't count how many times Ruey and Freddy have dropped everything to help a family member out. When I was really sick my senior year of college. Ruey would drive 3 hours to visit, call me weekly, and send care packages to me.)

1. Love Jesus with your heart, soul, and mind. (Ruey and Freddy live for HIM daily and show other HIS love at all times.)


Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary Ruey and Freddy. Thanks for loving me and my family so much and for always being there. Also thank you for being a constant example on how to treat others, how to raise your children, and how to love your spouse.
I love you, HIL


Ruey and me sharing our birthday's

Freddy showing off his ears.

Chuck E. Cheese...

Last Friday night we met Mel, Ryan, and Charley at Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza. Mel thought it would be a great place to go to keep her mind off the cancer. I must mention that Kevin had NEVER been to a Chuck E. Cheese or Showbiz type-establishment. I was not sure what type of reaction Zachary would do when he saw Chuck E but he really did not care about it too much. When we ordered we got 40 tokens to use.
Kevin and Wasson split them up. Z would sit on the motorized toys but if you put a token in it he did not like it. He immediately would get off the ride. He had more fun just sitting in the object. Charley showed a little more excitement but again not what I expected. I think the big boys had more fun. After about 45 minutes of fun (or not so much) Mel and I decided we would have a better time at their house. Let me put it this way...Wait for Chuck E. Cheese until your child is at least 4 or 5 years old. Pizza not so good. Rides are filled with germs. Stuffed Mouse running around not too cool. Also Zachary and Charley both came down with fevers the next day. It's hard to tell if they got sick from the germs at Chuck E.'s, however I think they caught a little virus. Kev and I spent Sunday morning at the Paediatrician's walk-in clinic getting him checked out. Here are our photos from Chuck E.'s. Enjoy!

Zachary on Choo-Choo


Charley riding on Clifford


Zachary on Fire truck


Charley on slide


Mel and kiddos on couch


Bath time with Charley & Z


Zachary styling new do'.

One bad month....

I hate to be a downer but this month has been a very difficult and sad one for my family. First my uncle died, then a patient of Kevin's passed away from a car accident and now this. This blog is supposed to be happy, fun, and about our family...but I guess since it is life then it will be both the good and the bad.

On Thursday, my best friend of 17 years, Melody got the news that no one ever wants to receive. She was diagnosed with an aggressive type of breast cancer. Whew...did I really just type that? Can a 28 year old mommy really have cancer? I don't know why God dealt these cards to Mel, but I do know that God does not give you anything that you cannot handle.

This spring Mel and I went to a bible study on the book of James. At the time Mel and I were not going through any trials. So we did not rely heavily on the scripture verses to much. At this time, I am going back into my notes and clinging to the word that James writes.

James says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develop perseverance". James 1:2

I have to make myself have JOY about this ordeal. Mel has to make herself have JOY, knowing that her faith will be stronger and that some how this HUGE TRIAL will bring her closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. Mel is a very strong, determined, and faithful woman. I know she can beat this. It's just going to be a difficult journey for her, her husband Ryan, her 2 year old daughter, and her family. I wanted to put a link on my blog directly to her site about journey. Click here to view it.

Please say a prayer for Mel and her family.

Mel and Hil pregnant together


Mel and baby Charley


Mel with her parents and daughter


Mel and Hil at Women's Retreat


Hot Springs Annual trip: Mel, Ryan, Hil, and Kev

It's SUMMERTIME!

Today finally felt like it was SUMMER! Z and I have really enjoyed ourselves today. We tried not to worry about what needed to be done around the house or what needed to be done for the office or for MOPS. Instead we just relaxed, had fun, and enjoyed each other. I often forget that Zachary will not be this small forever. So today we went to Mommy's Boot Camp Fitness Class, then we made a stop to the city pool for "Splash Time", then we headed home for lunch with Daddy. We were surprised when Grams & Pops said they were in the area so they joined us at home for lunch. It was a great surprise. Then Z had his nap. Then....we enjoyed Popsicles outside. Followed by swinging and riding the tricycle. Zachary loved his first popsicle. Believe it or not, it was not as messy as I thought. Well, we hope you are enjoying summer too.