Prayers for bestie and her hubby

 I speak often of my besties, Ann and Laurie…

Don't know what I would do without these two gals 

in my life. But our dear Bestie, Ann and her lovey,

Moody, well they in a bad spot and prayers are needed.

Ann loves Moody in a way I don't know if I have ever loved.

While we were together at LaBerge' Moody was

not feeling well and she spoke of how much she

must aggravate him always asking if he needed something.

She shared how if she looses him, she don't know what

she would do, she spoke of how much she loves that man.

We all do love him. We, myself and my two bests

all married young, Laurie and I, our high school sweethearts,

Ann, met Moody through Ronnie and they

have been together since. After three months,

they were talking marriage. 

 (Ann and Moody serving in our wedding)

( Ann and Moody in their own wedding)

Yesterday I rushed to Thibodaux Regional when the

text came through that he was being moved from

his regular room to ICU and was critical.

There, in the lobby, was my dear friend and her

two adult boys, her daughter in law, Suzette,

and her Mother and her sisters…

sisters, what would we do without them….

We hugged, me and my bestie, we cried,

me more than her, as she was just so exhausted,

He has been sick for so long,

Our Moody, is on the vent, had to be shocked into 

a natural heart rhythm. He is just not well,

but fighting like the man he is….

Prayers,  often pray for God's will and ask

for that, this time I am changing it up,

pray for complete recovery as my dear friend,

well, she still needs her love.

I have never wanted something more than I want

healing for Moody and healing for my dear friends

heart.

Things I didn't realize...

Now being single, there are things, as time goes by,

I have begun to realize.

For instance, I am so thankful that outside of 

mymarriage, I had a way of spending time with those

I love, family and friends.

I cannot blame Ronnie for the things he just could

not give me, that he was not capapable of.

I am the first to tell everyone, even though our marriage

is over, he has always been a good provider and will

continue to assure I am okay. Not many ex's do that.

But it is the other things I have realized.

How much Bean, at the time, was my life line.

Since Thursday, I have been helping KD a lot

with the girls because her cousin, Melissa was married.

Thursday after her school I went to stay with

both girls. Bean is such a good sister.

It amazes me how she just never shows jealousy

to this wee one of ours. I had trouble getting Belle

to sleep and Bean told me about every trick she 

knew that had worked in the past for her and

her parents when none of those worked,

and she waited patiently in the bed with

the 10 books she wanted me to read her,

she shrugged her shoulders, and said,

"Mumsie I am going to read the books to you and

Jolee" and that she did. I was so worried because

it was getting late and I knew Bean had school

the next day. I want to say, my daugther in law,

she is a superwoman with these two sweet ones

who she has one on one when BB is at work.

Finally Belle fell asleep in my arms and was not

about to put her down. held her and read books

until her Mommy got home and put her down.

The next day, I went get Bean at he Maw Maw

as I was going to get her ready for the wedding

and Maw had Belle. Then it was our sleepover

night. That wedding of Melissa and TAte

was great, but for me, having Bean and Belle with us,

made it that much more fun. I am not putting down

those who have weddings without children.

I see the pros and cons of both, but for me,

they are the cutest things.

They danced more than the grownups.

Now, back to things I didn't realize.

I didn't realize just how much Bean has absorbed

of simple silly things I have taught her over the 

years when I was so sad with my marriage.

I do believe she has been my life line.

That night we settle down for bed and she says,

"MUmsie we have to 'foosh the pillows"

I had forgotten that since she was little,

we would throw all the unnecessary pillows across

the room saying, "foosh"

We fooshed the pillows and read books with

her loving up on me the whole time.

I thought as she listened intently and corrected

when I didn't say it quite the way she remembered the book,

how many nights we did this very same thing

when I didn't know where my marriage was heading.

We fell asleep cuddled and if you can get this gal

laughing in the morning, it's going to make for a great day.

She slept late for her and then finally said,

"If you want me to wake up you can rub my back

and carry me to the sofa and get me juice like my Daddy does."

Surely not afraid to say what she needs. Then she reminded

me that at Mumsie's house we don't get up until 

we hear the birds, we heard birds and she popped up.

I was being silly with her and told her,

When we wake up we need to say,

"Top of the morning to ya" 

well that got her laughing and repeating it every few minutes.

Then she does what she does best, touches me.

"MUmsie, I told my teacher, when I sleep at your house

and we go outside we always say, "Good morning World!"

Can we do that, Mumsie?

So we went out and screamed

"Good Morning World"

Oh the things her teacher must hear.

It's just her and Belle's prescence that makes

me realize they have gotten me through some rough

spots. I am going to end this I promise, but one more thing

about just how it is to be around Bean often.

We went on an adventure to the thrift store where she knows

she can fill a bag and it is all hers. She speaks to all she meets,

She sings and has people notice her even when she 

doesn't know it. We go to DC Grill for the bathroom

and she smells that food and "Mumsie I am hungry"

No trouble with me, it's lunch and DC GRill is one

of my faves. She labels the fries, the best in town

and insists I let them know.

As we sit and eat, she hugs my arm and I say,

"Oh Bean don't grow up, stay like this forever"

She unlocks her arm from mines and teaches me

some logic that I just have to come to acceptance about,

"I can't stop, Mumsie" with a fry in her hand "There is

nothing we can do about it"

Oh be still my heart...

and I once again realize, without God, without

these two girls in my life, I doubt I would be doing

as good as I am with these changes in my life.

I live for this little familiy and my gypsy baby.

I realize that I, no one else, but I, am the lucky

one. I love my own company but the company of

those who love me most has gotten me through some

rough spots. I have realized that my children, understand

what I need, sometimes I need my own time, but they never

deny me visits with them and the babies. and I realize

without that I would be nothing of the woman I am today.

Thank you KD, Baby Boy, Gypsy baby, Belle

and most especially Bean for getting me where I am.

I would loose every material possession in this world,

to have you all in my life.

And this I realize, subconciously for a long time,

but conciously over the last few days.

Garden Party, thanks, Shirl and Josh-Wa

 My dear old nursing friend, Shirley had a garden party.

It was so nice of her to remember me, to invite, me.

I am sure it has something to do with the little niece of mine

who won't let anyone forget me.

I know when my life is over, and I am long gone from

this world, she Tiffy, will be one that will never let 

others forget me and the things I have done good in

my life. Thanks Tiff. for always being my biggest fan.

 Before I get into this blog, I am in love with my new camera.

I have to do very little editing to erase the "Old" in me.

This camera tends to make us all some "pretty young things"

 Some have asked, where is my hat, well if you know me,

I am a hugger and that darn hat kept getting in the way of my hugs

so off it came. Met old friends, even asked Shirley for her hand

in marriage as my gypsy baby says I need to find a girlfriend.

If I had to change to that life, Shirl would be the best partner ever!

 There she is all the way to the right end….

 Cannot say enough of her son Josh-Wa.

Why do i refer to him in that manner?

he was one of baby boy's very first friends.

When he came home from school that day he said,

"Mommy I met a new friend!"

Of course, the obnoxious mommy in me asked too many

questions for a little boy who just wanted to come home and

play with his Ninja Turtles.

"Rod, tell me about your new friend, what is his last name"

Perturbed he said,

"Momma, Wa, Josh-Wa"

Ever since then, in my world he has been Josh-Wa.

Josh-Wa had lots to do with the making of the garden party.

It was perfect and he waited on us haggling gals like

a maitre de'. only thing missing was the suit.

He is an amazing young man and deserves another amazing

young man to make his life complete.

 Some of these wonderful women I didn't know, of but

thanks to Tiffy they all felt they knew me. By the end of the

day they did and I don't think I disappointed…lol

 Again, my little niece, came through and ordered me a 

birthday cake. With all the food they had there, she still had

her friend pick up this beautify bday cake she bought for me.

Thanks, tiff, it was the best and Bean loved, loved, loved 

the flowers!

 This lil gal down there, well she won the prize for best hat.

Not only did she make hers but came in with the gloves, the

whole persona, we even laughed as the day went on when

we noticed she even had her "pinkie Up"

She definitely deserved. She was fun, fun so was everyone.

 This was our little group of pretty women, and we all felt pretty that

day. We just don't take enough time to do these kind of things.

Once this house sells, I am going to get settled in a new old house

and get ready as we going to have lots of gatherings.

However, will tell you all a funny story about why we will 

probably not use the name garden party.

Friday night Tedi-girl came to meet her mommy and I 

at B and E for my birthday supper.

We have always loved B and E and because we know

all them gals there so well, there was lots of awesome

conversations. We explained to Tedi-girl how excited

we were to go to the garden party. That we had our fancy dresses

and our fancy hats….. Tedi-girl looked at both of us

rolling her eyes wondering what we were thinking?

Then she let us on with what her mind was thinking..

"You two, two plants in the ground and y'all both

gunna be sweating taking off y'all clothes and

complaining y'all back hurts…

hahhah she thought we were invited to Shirley's house to

plant her garden. Not a bad idea, huh Shirley.

Thanks again, Shirley and Josh-Wa for a perfect day.

Will forever remember it as being one of my best days

post marriage. Thanks to old friends and new friends.

Love to all.

ARIA MARIE ROUSSE

Our family just keeps growing and growing…

and growing.

Now every one of us Collins girls are grandmothers

who all go by different names:

MaMaw, Granny, Gammy, Mumsie and now a Sugar.

Brother I think is called Poppa, just like his kiddo's

always called him but  not sure.

Anyway, back to the most beautiful little girl

who has a potato, patato, name.

Her grandpa Tab told me the way he remembers to say

it is  like you are saying "ARE WE A"

So that has helped me say Aria in the proper way.

Okay so we have had lots of Collins babies in this family.

Including my two grandabies which are the beauties

to my heart but this baby, oh my! Okay enough talking…

 I had kept Little Lillian for the day who was a tad 

under the weather so I had decided not to bring her with me

so as not to get out little Aria sick. But the minute her

Mommy picked her up I was 

"ON THE ROAD AGAIN"

 I knew her birthday was one to be shared with just the

immediate family, you see guys, I know where my place is….

sometimes…. anyway, yesterday no way I was going

another day without seeing this sweet baby and that she is.

 We kept telling C, girl wait, there are no words to explain

what happens when that grand baby comes.

We tried to explain it but no words.

Now she knows, has fallen right into the Sugar role

with no instruction book needed.

 This above pic is one of my very favorite, I really think she has the

best of both parents and I know she will change daily for the

next few weeks but she is perfect. 

 Her other grandparents are calling Aria grand baby two

as they have another little girl they love as much as Aria.

 Then there is the beautiful family,

You cannot tell from these pics just how hard this

C-Section has been for Mommy Amanda.

MY Kd said she would have all babies the natural way

rather than a section so I kind of know how much she

is struggling. But look at that smile, no complaints from this

lil Momma, because she beams when she gets to see

just what she has won and knows soon she will be back to 

her old self. 

I can't say enough about my dear nephew, Arthur.

the men of today, they are a new breed. They not only take

good care of their wives but their babies right away,

become theirs. There is nothing he can't do that Amanda can

except for breast feeding. If he could he would….lol

Just like Baby Boy, can be another set of hands for his 

wife who will have her hands full. I am so proud

of BB and now of Arthur who was a little Shit

as a kid. Yet, his Aunt Lil, well she always "got him"

I did worry about him a few times, but look what he has

become and then to be a mentor to my little nephew, Jrew,

he is more than just one thing, he is multi faceted and

out of all the nieces and nephews, Celena's boys are two of

the sweetest there is. Aria will have him wrapped, won't take

long, I think it has already happened.

What most impressed me was the way he cared for his wife.

Remember although they have been a couple for a long time,

they are still newlyweds, they wanted babies right away so

took care of that on their honeymoon. 

Now it is three of them. I watched as he helped his

wife, in pain, get out of bed and to the bathroom.

No rushing, letting her call the shots and the tempo 

of the movement. Just watching him with her made me

want to tear up. He loves her and I pray, in thirty years

from now, they never forget just how much

they love each other today.

 Beautiful for just having this little sweetheart, right?

Poor Aria had a little hard time before her section.

He little face is swollen and one little eye is bruised from trying

to come down her mommy's hips that were too small for her 

to fit. She is full, full, full of long black hair. Like almost

needs a haircut…. I am sure she will loose lots of it, but

it is so silky and beautiful.

Her ears are the cutest. I am a baby neck/ear gal.

It's always the first thing I check out, those ears.

Hers are the cutest little things, like JBelle's are.

I made her a little angry when I had to check out her little

feet and toes and her little hands. It was time for her to 

wake up anyway, feeding time. 

I love the picture of Sugar kissing her cheek but I think

this one is my very favorite. It is like she and Sugar are

sharing something mentally with each other.

They will share so much if she is anything like

Bean and J.Belle and their Mumsie.

Like Sugar is mentally telling her,

"Oh the places we will go, the things we will do"

I know right now, Sug, you are thinking,

"It won't get better than this"

but it will. As she grows and her little personality

becomes one she can share, it will grow into more

love you can speak of.

And now my little Aria, your promise from your

Aunt Mumsie 

(name I am trying to get all the new babies to call

me, those born after I became a Mumsie)

I will always be there for you.

Just like the relationships I have had with all my nieces

and nephews and now the great ones, I try and make

each of them feel special when with their Aunt Mumsie.

My age is getting up there, yet I feel the youngest

I have in years. I will try my best to continue the 

traditions I have made with all those little babies

who call me Aunt Lil, Aunt Mumsie….

I love you sweet, Aria and one final promise.

You will not only know me by name,

You will know me by words and actions.

Love you my sweet great niece.

Art, Auntie Lil is so very proud of you 

and you new wife.

Mrs. Beasley has a new home….

Prepare yourself for a lengthy one.

When I was 5 and had an incurable cancer, 

called Wilms Tumor. My aunt GaGald 

gave me a ms. Beasley doll.

My prognosis was not good and I would not eat.

Aunt GaGald asked what I wanted to make

me eat. I loved the show Family Affair and on

that show the little girl Buffy had a doll called

Ms. Beasley. Buffy was a sad little girls so 

she told Ms. Beasley everything.

In my 5 year old mind, I needed one like that.

So my Aunt GaGald, one of my many aunts

who would have done anything for me especially

to get me to eat, bought me a Ms. Beasley.

What she gave me was more than just a new doll.

I hated my family to cry. Even at 5 years old,

I knew I was the reason for everyone's sadness.

So I told Ms.Beasley everything.

She came to all my hospital stays,

all my radiation treatments when I had to lay still

for over an hour without even scratching my nose.

No one could come in with me, all my Mommy and

Daddy could do was watch me, let me know they were there

through a very small window in an iron clad door.

One of their faces were always in that window

so I could see them. Ms. Beasely, she was right

there at me side. I told My gal all I feared,

all I was sad about, everything.

I back then had chem until I was almost 8.

Then I refused to die and got better.

One day Ms. Beasly found herself at the bottom of

my toy box and when C tried to get her, she ripped

her head off. It was a funeral and my sis felt terrible.

My dad safety pinned her head back on but it

just was not the same so over the next few months

she just didn't have her importance anymore.

(It is why Toy Story 3 makes me cry)

Okay, that was the long back ground story.

Many, many years later, my sisters got together

and found me a brand new Ms. Beasely.

I was a grown woman, with two children on

my own, and yet, they gave me this most special gift.

I did not leave her in the box, I didn't care about

how her value would decrease out the box.

i didn't have her for value, I had her for love.

So for the last 14 years she has held high places of

honor in my home. Then Bean came along 

and she too loved her. But she like fussing her too

much. Ms. Beasely talks, so when she says 

"SPEAK A LITTLE LOUDER DEAR, SO MS. BEASLEY

CAN HEAR YOU" Bean would tell her

"Well you need to be quiet when I talk to you" 

Poor Ms. Beasley. But I loved that we played with her.

Then comes the message and the family contacts of

a sweet 7 year old named Mak. 

I find out that she has the same Wilms tumor I have.

Her Mommy is a bayou gal, her daddy is a VAcherie boy.

Although they are separated, they are doing all that

is needed for Mak, putting themselves on the side.

I was asked a few weeks ago to be a guest speaker

at her benefit. You know me, give me a microphone and

an audience, and I am there!

I did my speech to all these people gathered for the love

of one little girl. I was overwhelmed to be a part of all

of this.  Mac was quite sick that day, all she could do

is sit in an air-conditioned car as she had just been

discharged from Children's. After I spoke, I went into the

car to see a very sick little girl who was not smiling

much that day. I told her she and I had the same type

of cancer and I was coming play at her house one

day soon. Her face lit up and asked, "When?"

Since then I have had the calling that my lovely Ms Beasley

had to go to Mac. I made her a journal and wrote the

whole story in a handmade journal I made her.

I checked with all my sisters and all her so 

sensitive and supportive about it.

My decision was made. I tole Bean a little about Mac

without making her sad because for a three year old,

she is so emotional about sad things.

Just told her Ms. Beasley was going live for 

a little while with a little girl who needed her more than

us right now. That when she was not needed anymore,

she would return her. That day Bean had a bracelet I had 

bought her a long time ago on. She had found it somewhere,

she said, "Mumsie, I have a great idea, lets put this

bracelet on Ms. Beasley before she goes. I thought

that was a great idea. 

 She placed it on herself and I was stunned when I read

what the bracelet said:

HOPE on one side MIRACLE on the other.

OMG! this child cannot read and yet something inside

of her knew this bracelet needed to go to Mak.

She then put Ms. beasley in her car seat and there she

stayed until yesterday.

Now would be the time for kleenex if you have not needed it yet.

Yesterday I make plans to visit with Mak and her Dad

in Vacherie as she is with her Daddy that day.

I walk in to see a very happy little girl that day.

She had had blood the day before and chemo.

so the poisons had not yet made her tired yet.

Perfect day. I ask if I can read her the story of 

my Ms. Beasley while her daddy stayed with us.

Her great grandmother was there also. As I read

the 4 page story, she held Ms. Beasley tightly and listened

intently. Her dad, sitting next to me, I could hear crying a bit.

Mak just listened to every word I said and loved on our

doll. When I finished, she asked if she could

speak with me alone.

She asked the most personal questions that will always be between 

she and I. She asked "What if I forget you?" 

I promised I would be a part of her life forever,

because I wanted to see her grow into the special young woman

she was becoming. This chid will be special, she will have the 

gift of gab as I do and I just know she ail reach out to 

others as I do. We bonded right away.

If I ever had the doubt as to whether I did the right thing by

passing on Ms. Beasley, I do not now.

Her Mother was on her way to pick her up

but I was not able to stay longer than the few hours I did.

So on my way home, I got a text from her Mommy 

thanking me so much, saying she does not know

what she has done for their daughter by this gift 

of the doll and a friendship Mak just would not stop speaking

of. I get home feeling very happy and content with my decisions.

I pull up at home and her Mommy had sent me this picture:

Her chemotherapy finally kicked in.

Those damned poisons it takes to save our Mak.

She fell asleep in the back seat with Ms. Beasley 

tucked tightly into her arms.

I cry. I will miss Ms. Beasley but if I never

get her back, I know she is where she is supposed 

to be.

Love to all!