A Day with the Pigg's!

Russell, Leslie and the boys came to town for Russell to have meetings and I was blessed with some precious time with them! It started off this morning at a fun place I had never been called....

Bring your kids to Monkey Joe's fun-filled inflatable play center! Our wall-to-wall inflatable slides, jumps, and obstacle courses will keep your kids active, happy, and healthy. Our play center is suitable for kids 12 years-old and younger. Our Mini Monkey Zone is a separate toddler play area that will keep your little ones safe and secure.

Cord's outfit was the perfect attire for Monkey Joe's and if you know his mother, you know that this was not an accident! The boys had so much fun running and climbing and jumping and playing games! They are such good children and they have the best time everyday of their life! I am so thankful that Corinne does not mind sharing her time with me. Leslie carries on a full conversation all the while she knows where the boys are and what they are doing. We had lunch at Backyard Burgers in Indian Lake and the boys had fun at the inside tree house there. Then we put them to the real test, Corinne needed to pick up something at a little shop called Initial This and we all went with her.

This is the cutest little store and it was right down my alley! Corinne knows the owner, Julie Gammon and wanted us all to meet her! She is precious and I know we are going to be big buds!

~201 N.Anderson Lane, Suite 200~ Hendersonville, TN 37075~
I could have stayed in there all day! If you are local, you have to stop in and meet Julie and pick out something to have monogrammed. She has the cutest things you ever saw!

What a fun day! Thanks Corinne and Leslie for including me!

I love being an Aunt and a Great-Aunt!

Long Valentine Post....

My Dyersburg Valentines!!! Cannon, Cord and Connor Pigg!

This post is going backwards because when I put the pictures up, that's how they landed so just keep reading! I am starting with Sunday, February 14, 2010, actually Valentine's Day. Chris, Ashley, Christopher, John Ed and Mary Hollis came up for the long weekend. A birthday party was planned for three of the cousins to share but had to be changed due to the Father daughter sock hop at CPA and also illness in Drew's family.

John Ed Maddux's birthday was Feb. 6, 2010 and he turned 3 years old! Maddux loves it when Christopher and John Ed come to town so he has someone to wrestle with and scream and shoot at each other!

Next we have Anni Routh pictured above. Her birthday was Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 and she turned 7 years old. Her DD and G gave her a new dance outfit for her American Girl doll that even has tap shoes! Anni was so excited telling us that her parents are taking "just her" to Chicago in March and going to the American Girl Store! She is so animated when she tells anything that it is like watching a performance. She loves to pretend and perform as you can see she changed into dress up clothes while we were there. (This happens to be an old dance costume of Ashley's when she was a child).

Mom and I captured the smallest ones, Mary Hollis and Will Carter for a quick picture. Mary Hollis will be one next month!

I fixed a Valentine Lunch for Brad, Patrick and Mom. We had Chicken Elegante, Gourmet mashed potatoes, Roasted, herb carrots, green bean casserole, and miniature cream cheese biscuits and sweet tea. It was so fancy, I had to pull out Leslie's recipe's! We ate off of heart shaped plates and really enjoyed being together. We gave Patrick some cute T-shirts and some candy. Baby got some new hair bows that she loved! For Mom, we gave her the "You are Special Plate". My cousin Cheryl, had a luncheon in my honor and served me with this plate. I had never seen it before or heard of the sweet tradition behind it. You write on the back of the plate, the date and the occasion and the person you are celebrating, eats their food from this plate.

I had told Mom not too long ago that Starr carried a real handkerchief in her purse and had given me one for my purse. It reminded me of an old Designing Women show where Suzanne Sugarbaker ( one my hero's) said that a woman that carried a nice handkerchief, showed a sign of good breading. For my Valentine, Mom gave me 6 of the most beautiful handkerchiefs I have ever seen. They were my Grandmothers and Aunt Ree's. They have such detailed tiny embroidery on them that they did. I will cherish these always and if and when the good Lord sends a wife for Patrick, I will pass on to her.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 Drew took his oldest girls Ava on the left and Emma on the right to the annual CPA Father daughter dance. This was the first year for Ava to go.

Brad took me to dinner Saturday night at September's. It was a really beautiful restaurant and the food was good. We thought it was expensive for what you got. We were glad to try it out since we had not been there before. I gave Brad a Blu-Ray DVD and we swapped our cards. As always we kept the tradition of one serious and one funny. I had already opened and worn my Valentine gift from Brad........ Oh I could

live in these cute boots from Bodens! Well that catches up the past few days if anyone is even still reading!!!!

I have a new BFF!!!!

Today Beth Moore was at Lifeway in Franklin, TN signing her new book that just came out. Mom and I got there and the line was already around the store but, it went fast and we met the cutest girl in line so it was OK. When we got up to Beth it was just almost overwhelming. For some reason, I feel like I know her. Like in real life know her. Through all the years of taking her Bible Studies, reading her blog everyday and reading Amanda's, I know way too much about their family!!! She did not rush us, she looked us in the eye as if she had all day. I told her how much I had prayed for her when she was sick and she said "girl, you just can't imagine what it is like waiting to find out if you have cancer". I responded with "yes I can, I was diagnosed in May, had surgery, chemo and radiation and in January was declared cancer free". She grabbed me again and hugged even tighter and she said "yes I can see you are cancer free! I see God all over your face, yes I can, bless you dear friend"! It was just precious is all I can say and I am so glad that we went.

Of course there was a lunch outing! Everything in our family seems to revolve around eating. We went to Puffy Muffin, Hot Pink, dashed through Katy's Hallmark, looked for Mom's house on Greerland Drive where she lived with Daddy before all of us, ran by Aunt Nita's to see the new paint job on Auntie's house and still made it to physical therapy for me at Vanderbilt 30 minutes early! It's all in your organizational skills!

In case you haven't heard......

I am cancer FREE!

January 21, 2010 was my followup scans and appointments at Vanderbilt. Brad and Corinne were with me as Dr. Netterville gave us the news that God, the chemo, and the radiation of the last few months had been successful. There is no doubt in my mind that it was a true blessing from God that caused the cancer to be gone. I am so blessed to have so many faithful prayer warriors that never stopped praying for the healing. Everyday I hear of someone else or another group that has been praying for me all these months. Thank you to each of you that have prayed for us during all of this. I go back in March for doctor's appointments and then scans again in May so I would really appreciate your continued prayers.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

The Cline's Nov. 2009

Mother and her Grandchildren

Finally Posting Again!

Well it looks like the last time I wrote anything on here was August so I think it is about time for an update. It seems like August was forever ago along with September and October. I spent almost the entire month of October in Vanderbilt Hospital. When I left the hospital, I stayed at Mom's house and was waited on hand and foot. She has to be the best caretaker I know! I couldn't even let her leave the house without panicking which was a little inconvenient for her! After coming home and having sitters everyday, I finally got to where I could stay on my own. I have good days and bad days and I still have trouble eating. (imagine that!)

As this Thanksgiving rolled around, I have been so thankful that I am here and able to enjoy this time with my family. There were so many days that I did not think I would be here for another holiday season. If it were not for all the prayers that are being offered in my name, I know the outcome would surely be different. I still have a ways to go and the truth will be told in January when the scans are done so please keep me in your prayers.

We had 30 plus gather at Mom's Thanksgiving day and we started by having another family photo made of everyone. The last one we had made was in 2003 and we have added Cannon, Cord, Will Carter, John Ed and Mary Hollis since then. The children were more than willing to participate because Nita brought a treat box and anyone of the children that smiled and looked at the camera got a treat. After the picture, we circled up and counted (35) to eat and had the traditional Thanksgiving feast. After dinner, a crew loaded up and went to Opryland to see Ice. I was completely worn out so it was bedtime for me. It was a wonderful time and wonderful family memories were made!

Happy Birthday Cannon !

Happy 3rd Birthday!!!!

A GREAT DAY!

Hello out there if I have any blog readers left. I have really let my blog slip in the past few weeks. I feel like I am now back among the living! The prayers, good caregivers, the new medicine and being past the first chemo treatment have brought me through a rough patch and the past couple of days have been great! I finished week 2 of radiation today and that means only 5 more to go and 2 more chemo and we will be on the other side of this plan. Today my driver was Darlene Slater and we had a great time! She told Corinne that I might be bruised a little from banging me in the wall with the wheel chair but that was the only incident that we had. Any of you that remember us from high school remember we were always getting into something but today it was pretty calm, just a lot of laughing!
Darlene connected with several families in the waiting room and was just as inspired as I am everyday by the friends we have made that are going through the same thing. After treatment, she took me to Cracker Barrel for lunch and we had great food and more laughs. We came home and Darlene was taking picks and sprays out of her purse and going to town on my hair. The next thing I knew, it looked like I had all kinds of hair!

Written by Patsy (Mom)

Well, we have passed the #3 mark of radiation - and she is back at home. Tracey took her today and the trip and treatment went without incident. I was waiting on the front porch when they arrived home. Kim had ordered "two egg in the nests" for her lunch so quite naturally I was equipped with eggs and bread in my basket. We came in and Tracey was putting water in a beautiful arrangement of flowers that are from Patti Bearden with a lovely note to accompany them. I busied myself getting ready to make her requested lunch. She sipped on a Diet Coke and seemed to be tired but at that point not nauseated. She ate the meal and then went to her room to check her Facebook and catch up on her messages. She had a phone call from Darlene and one from Brad. I finished cleaning the kitchen and started the dishwasher and went to join her in her room. She was lamenting the fact that her bedside table was so full of stuff so we began to clean it off and she instructed me as to what to put where. When I finish this note I will put dates on the backs of her cards from several days so that she can remember when she received them. I believe that she has quit listing them in a book (very sensible I think). She told me that if she were to describe her feelings she would tell me that she feels like someone who has the flu - shaky, weak, feverish, etc. I was glad to hear this, even though it distresses me that she feels like this, because now we have an idea of how she really is. Her throat doesn't seem to be quite as sore and she has not told me about her head. If I was guessing I would say that she probably does have a headache. The mask that she has to wear during her treatment is very tight and leaves some lines on her face - they fade soon but that tells you how snug it fits her. So far she has held her lunch and that is a big PLUS. I will give her a banana in a litle while for a snack. This is all of the news I have at this time.
Love to you all, Patsy

From Corinne

FYI......Kim had her post-op visit this afternoon with Dr. Netterville at Vanderbilt. He said her incision was healing nicely, the swelling was normal, and to use Vitamin E cream to reduce scarring. She told him about her daily/severe headaches and he explained how normal that is considering her status. The cancer in her throat, the nerves he cut in her neck, and the overall tension, stress, and depression she's experiencing are all reasons for her pain. She described how the pain is not just in her head but that it covers one side of her face and goes deep into her ear. Again, he said that was expected. He told her how to adjust her pain medicine and to come back and see him when she completes her chemo and radiation treatments. She and Brad were grabbing some dinner to go on their way home. All she wants for now is her dark bedroom with no phone calls or visitors. I'll update you all again after we see Dr. Murphy (the chemo therapist) on Thursday. Please increase your prayers for Kim and her family. Thank you.
Corinne Smith

Today is Leslie Shea Moran Pigg's 33rd Birthday! Dicky had us all over to his house for a celebration! We had grilled hamburgers and all the fixings! Above is a slideshow of some of the pictures I took. Happy Birthday Leslie, I love you very much!

Dear Friends

My Daddy used to tell us if you could count your true friends on one hand that you were a very blessed person. I am blessed to have so many true, faithful friends in my life. Today I had a wonderful visit with two of my very dear friends that have been in my life since 1981. We worked together at Comdata. Patsy (Kerr) Fulton was our boss and she was the boss that taught you work ethics to stay with you for life. She might have been rough and demanding during the day, but you knew that she was pulling out of you what she knew you had inside. Comdata was the best education I could have ever received and we were paid handsomely if we were willing to work. We partied hard when we were off work and formed bonds that have lasted all these years. We all credit Patsy for keeping the connections going. We usually try to all get together once or twice a year and she is always the one to get it all set up. She gets the word out if anyone has a need still. Now she is on Facebook so she can really keep up with everyone!

Belinda Yoder and I became friends immediately. She was loud and confident, funny and smart and I wanted to be just like her. Belinda and I have been through many life events, deaths, births, marriages, divorces,and job changes together and even if long spans of time went between our conversations, we always pick right back up from the last conversation and run with it.

Belinda, Kim, Patsy

Last week Sharon Herndon Morgan came over with lunch and for a visit. I met Sharon at Comdata and we lived together before Danny Evans and I got married. She was one of the maids of honor in my wedding. We had so much fun looking at old pictures and laughing at old memories.

If you have special people in your life, please keep the connections going. Make sure that they know you love them. Don't wait until you have time, make the time, it is so worth it!

Birthdays today....

Happy Birthday to Courtney Blair Wiseman! She turns 18 today and I can not believe it! It was only yesterday that she was at my condo at Cedarwood and she would love to play office with all my supplies. We would pull out all the craft supplies and make things, we would laugh and shop and go out to eat. I always called her Missy and she called me Kissy. I am proud to say that I take credit for her love of jewelry and nice handbags! And now, here she is getting ready to start her senior year of High School. She is so sweet and fun and kind and she is girl that everyone wants for a friend. I love being on facebook so I can see pictures of all the things she is involved in. She loves the Lord, her family and her friends with all she has and I could not be more proud of her!

Happy Birthday Sweet Courtney! I love you very much!!!!!! XXXXOOOO

This day is also our precious Ashley's birthday too!!!! Ashley has such a big heart and has always been such a blessing to our family. I hope you have a wonderful day Ashley and I can't wait to see you !

Happy Birthday I love you!!! XXXXOOOO

I'm Back!

I had planned to put an update on here for weeks but honestly, my Mother always said..."if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". I am progressing as the doctor said I would just not the way I would like to. I have had good days and bad days in this recovery process and I am doing everything I can to get strong enough for what is ahead. It all became very real to me yesterday at Vanderbilt as I laid on the CT table and they made a mask of my face and measured where the radiation would be given. They took Mom and me in the room and showed us the machine where I will get the treatments and gave me a paper with appointments from August 17th until September 30th. I go to the chemo oncologist on August 6th and she will coordinate the chemo plan with the radiation and I will have that once a week while I am there getting the radiation treatment. So, on Patrick's 24th birthday, I start the journey to end this dreaded disease.

There have been many times in my life that I did not understand the reason or the plan that God had and I have to admit that this is one of those times. I will say that because of this, I have found out that I am very loved and cared for by so many people. I have found that it does help to send cards or emails or to call those in need. I have found that it is important to say I love you, I care for you, I am there for you. It does help to prepare a meal and take it to someone so they don't have to think about that. It does help to visit and most of all, the power of prayer. When I am past this, I do intend to learn from this experience and reach out to others with the love I have been shown. As I have said before, I am overwhelmed by the out pour of love that has been showered on me since this all started. To all of you that have prayed for us, brought food, sent flowers, emails, called, sent cards, cleaned the house, or came for a visit, I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to me. To my family, you have gone above and beyond the call of duty for sure. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will never be able to express my appreciation.

I continue to claim this scripture :

"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

Jeremiah 29:11

I am so blessed and I have complete faith that I will be cured from this dreaded disease. Thank you again and please keep us in your prayers.

D Day Eve!

Well as I go over my last "To Do List" I finally have everything marked off but to steam Brad's shorts! I think I will take his advice and throw them in the dryer and call it a day! I would be dishonest if I said that I was not a little nervous about tomorrow. I am so ready to start the recovery and be done with all this "c" talk. I have been so blessed with all the prayers, calls, gifts, food, cards, visits and kind deeds done for me but I am anxious to be on the other side of it all. Today, Starr came with lunch and just quietly worked around the house folding laundry, straightening up and even set up a leash system for Buddy to go outside to the bathroom unassisted and keep him from running away from me. Patrick came by for a visit and to run errands and handle the doggies getting baths and haircuts.

This afternoon, Mom. my sisters, Ray, and Emily came by to visit with me and the next thing I knew my deck was filled with some very special members of my church family. They came to sing some songs and pray for me. I can't begin to express the love and concern that I witnessed in each face. I am so humbled and touched by the overwhelming out pour of love and concern that has been shown to me during this time. I am without adequate words. Michael Greene prayed the sweetest prayer and then the mood was lightened with their rendition of the Gloria Gaynor song "I will survive". I am going to have to put the video on here to show what a special time this was with these friends and my family.

My sweet Mother prepared a delicious dinner of my favorites, country style steak and gravy, creamed potatoes, green beans, apples, rolls and chess pie. I told her that I wanted to just leave it in my mouth so I could keep tasting it! After dinner, Phil Barnes, minister at Madison Church of Christ, called to let me know that I would be prayed for all day long tomorrow.

I will now pack my bag to take to the hospital and rest for a few hours and then it will be "D Day". Brad and I have to be at Vanderbilt at 6:00 am and my surgery is scheduled for 8:00 am. It is expected to take between 4-6 hours. Corinne already has my book that has all my notes and phone numbers and I am sure that she will get an email out as soon as the surgery is over. Mom is going to be posting updates on her blog at : http://postingsfrompatsy.blogspot.com/

Please keep up the prayers, we still have a ways to go!

Love to all!

Catching Up!

First of all, I need to back up to Friday, June 26th, 2009 and wish Russell Pigg a very happy belated birthday! I left him a message on Leslie's facebook but I know that doesn't count. I will combine that with Happy 11th anniversary to the Pigg's on June 27, 2009 and tell them how happy they make me and how extremely proud I am of them and their family. It seems like only yesterday, that we shared in a beautiful ceremony at Community Church and then joined them in Destin, Florida on their honeymoon! Next, I will move on to Sunday night when my brother-in-law, Mark Smith and the quartet he sings in, Mercy Road performed at Dalewood Baptist Church. If you have not been to see them, you are truly missing out on a huge blessing. Starr picked me up and we met Corinne, Jacque, Wayne, Mom and Sandra Pigue and her friend for a very moving hour of music .

After the performance, We headed down to Battered and Fried for dinner. We had lots of laughing and good food !

Yesterday started out with Starr and Samantha coming over to help work on my "To Do List"! Samantha brought lunch that her sweet husband had prepared of brisket, homemade tortillas, rice and beans and it was delicious. Carolene Lewis came bearing curtains for the bedroom to shade me from the hot sun that beams through the french doors. After lunch, Starr and Samantha got busy getting them hung and making sure that I would be able to sleep in a dark room! They cleaned, worked on laundry, did my nails and eyebrows, gave me texting lesson, and proceeded to mark items off my list left and right! Marti McDonald stopped by for a visit and the next thing I knew Brad was home from work and ready to go grocery shopping with his list!

These pictures are pretty self explanatory! Talisa Cowden came by bearing a warm chocolate pie fresh out of the oven. We have always had our best times sitting up in my bed talking and laughing and last night was no different!