Hello to all!

Just checking in. I plan to begin to blog more when my life is a bit more stable. I just don't have that much to say on a blog. My kids are fine. Bradley is here for the holidays. I am doing ok. I love you all, and I will write again soon. Love.

The Fall

It's October, and we finally are getting the cooler weather. This is my favorite time of year. The windows are open, and the breeze is blowing through my house, gently pressing its nose in every corner. Nice.

Next week Bradley (my boy that I am going crazy without!) is coming home for the LSU/UF game. He will fly in on Friday at about the same time as Jimmy Clyde and his daughter Scout. We will be going to the game together in the ever so high hopes of beating our great nemesis- the Gators. Good times for all.

This weekend my kids are with their Dad. I am learning how to do this. I try to stay busy so that a) I am not sad the whole time, and b) so that my kids do not think that Mom is sad the whole time. So, it's grocery shopping at night and spur of the moment walks with my good friend, Robin. Some ladies are coming over tomorrow night to visit and watch a movie. I deeply miss my Mom, Kay Lynn, Kandi, and Carole at times like this. In fact, Baton Rouge would do me good. But I do have some great people that love me here in K-Town. God is good to me and is saving me every moment. That's about it.

Hello!

It's been a little while. Just thought I'd quickly say hi and that I will update soon. Most of you know that my life is in some turbulance. I need your prayers. Thank you for caring about me and reading this from time to time. It's encouraging.

Today

Well, the day is here to pack Bradley and bring him to Baton Rouge. My family is waiting with open arms for him. I'm trying not to be too wierd, but I am wierd, so it's a real challenge. Pray for our safety since we will probably be traveling through Fay. I'm not gonna lie. Today sucks.

They Sachet By...

OK! Everyone from Louisiana has slow danced to this song, New Orleans Ladies, MANY times. But living out of state, I have come to the conclusion that this was not a nationwide hit. Am I right? Are there any people out there from some place other than Mardi Gras Land (a holiday I thought was nationwide as well) that could shed some light. In the meantime, enjoy LeRoux on my playlist.....

Thanks Carole!

I've been locked out of my blog for a while, but Carole has once again saved the day. It's been pretty eventful around here. My day is almost here to bring my boy to Baton Rouge. I am so excited for him. I believe that this will be a great time in his life. I've always told my kids that if they have a dream, whether or not they achieve it will never be because I didn't do everything I could do to help them. Living it out is up to them, but I'll drive them there. I'll let you all know how it goes. Love.

Some pics frome the weekend, again.

I'm really ready for football to start. The people here are very confident that Florida will win this year. Actually, it's like this every year. School will be starting soon. Things are about to get very busy.

Sunday afternoon with some cool people

Andrew not feeling well.

Me, Mooney, and Nik

Evan and Mike

Kam and Bradley showing off their fashionable faux hawks.

Kids are off to camp

This morning the bus took off from the Community Church headed for Camp Decision. Brad took the youth group which includes Andrew, Evan, and Honey. This is big for Honey. She doesn't sleep in her own room.

I'm not really thrilled about youth church camps. They tend to be full of emotional hype. Kids are unintentionally loaded up with guilt and a distorted idea that Christainity "feels" exciting. But on the other hand, the kids love the whole worship experiance. They also love the dodgeball tournament. It's hardcore. I love that, too. Anyway, they are off to Camp Decision for better or worse.

Bradley, Kameron, Isabelle, and I are going to Baton Rouge for Bradley's orientation. Bradley and Kam want to get tattoos, so this should be fun. Enjoy your week. Mine will be busy.

Baby Birds Leaving the Nest and All...

As some of you know, my oldest son Bradley is the biggest LSU fanatic of, possibly, all time. I know he makes you proud, Clyde. Anyway, he is about to realize his dream and be an actual student of LSU. Yes, Bradley will walk the hallowed halls. There will be no one happier to be there, I can assure you. No one.

Which brings me to a place in my life that I have been dreading. My boy is moving away from me. Out of my sight. My watchful gaze. I'm wiggin'. I knew it would happen, or maybe I secretly thought we could go on like this forever. And why not? I am trying to suppress the Louque thoughts- the paranoid freak thoughts that only a daughter of Vance III can think. I will not indulge. It's all too scary.

Anyway, pray for Bradley and for me. We will be going in July to Transfer Orientation. This is where Bradley will register for classes, be advised on his college path, and learn how to get student tickets. Geaux Bradley!!

Pics from Red Stick

Bingo! A place where you can have a good time while you get lung cancer.

Chicken fight. Bradley's neck still hurts a little.

Me and Sue

Kay Lynn, Vance, and me

Some mo...

Me livin' the dream.

Evan livin' the dream.

Evan and my new best friend Les.

Maw Maw Kay showin' us how it's done.

What's goin' on?

Well, May is drawing to a close, which is nice. School ends next week, and we're going to Baton Rouge to visit my people for a week.

Evan is going to the LSU football camp. He has wanted to for a long time, so this should be fun.

Bradley is working with Brad and saving money for a trip to Italy in the fall. It's with the same group that he went to Egypt with last year.

Andrew, Honey, and Isabelle have all started their own blogs, so go check them out. They are on my link list.

That's about it. Just working everyday and trying to stay on top of things. How about you?

I don't understand...

1. Why teenage kids' dancing is now just dry humping.

2. Why my mother has not won the lottery yet. (Such persistance will pay off.)

3. Why church services always have to have a sermon.

4. Why coaches don't put the people that I want in certain postions. I know best.

5. Why Carole won't let us talk about politics on her blog.

6. Why the Jonas Brothers are popular.

7. you fill in the next.

Ashley

This is something that my lovely niece Ashley wrote recently. I thought I'd share...

Isn't it just in our nature to try to understand everything? On every news channel, magazine, or paper someone is trying to analyze every thought, movement, or action. There always seems to be a latest book or a Dr. Phil to tell us how things work, and why they work that way.As a scientist, I truly appreciate the research and the God given knowledge of today's technology. We can genetically clone the chicken I probably ate today, drill a hole 2 miles under the ocean's surface to hit a target within two feet, and with a click of a button...we can talk to someone across the planet. It really is amazing.But what about those few things in this life that are still mysteries?
Of course there are plenty of funny ones...like:
- How did Walt Disney figure out how to make people stand in lines all day?or
- Why do we constantly return to the refrigerater in hopes of something new appearing?or
- Why does the ABC song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Baa Baa Black sheep all have the same tune? .......And why did it take me 24 years to figure this out?
But I think there are some things in this life that should just be left to God. There are some miracles that can never be explained, never be researched, and yet..never be forgotten.
It's those things we cannot see or measure. It's the childlike faith that is unbeaten....It's the trust that is unbreakable...and..It's the forgiveness that is undeserving.
I think Proverbs 30:18 says it best:
"There are 3 things that amaze me - No, four things I do not understand....
- How an eagle glides through the sky
- How a snake slithers on a rock
- How a ship navigates the ocean
- And how a man loves a woman"
May the Lord bless you and me in so many ways that we will never understand...possibly because..... we were never meant to. Live~Laugh~Love
-Ash
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Eight Belles

I'm sure most people saw the news this weekend about the Kentucky Derby. If you didn't, Big Brown won, but Eight Belles, a filly (girl), came in second. (Sorry the picture is so small. She is in the green.) When she finished her race, she slowed down, and then collapsed. Both of her front ankles were broken. She was euthanized immediately right there on the track.

The thing that is ringing in my head about Eight Belles is that she was running with the boys. The big boys. Normally fillies do not compete against the males. Had she won, she would have been the first. Now I'm not going to make some gender statement, but I am impressed that she was doing something that she wasn't really supposed to do. She literally ran the race of her life, and finishing second is incredible. We're always telling Evan to "leave it all on the field." Give it your all. That's what she did, and I have to ask myself- is that what I am doing? Am I running as hard as I can, in pain maybe, but running with everything in me? I don't know what your race is like, but we all need to run like her- joyfully, with everything in us, leaving it all on the field. God bless Eight Belles.

Pony Club

This is Pony Club. It's what my girls get to do on Wednesdays. Kelsie (far right) lives on a farm , and the girls get to play with these miniature horses each week. I love it. The girls are Cara, Kylie, Honey, Isabelle, Carly, and Kelsie. What do your kids do for a good time?

Some funny moments in my life

These are in no particular order.

1. When I left Brad in the room alone with Mama during the movie "Biloxi Blues" right before a graphic sex scene.

2. When Kandi was holding baby Micah or Dalton in one hand and a McDonald's food tray in the other- she tried to use her foot to open the trash can and her leg went in. She was in a dangerous straddle, but I was laughing too hard to help her.

3. When Keith Gouin and I tried to rid his and Lieba's home of a squirrel. I tried to flush the little guy out with a broom, and he commenced to running crazily up my legs and all over Keith. Keith was in fetal position laughing and crying while I screamed and laughed. The squirrel had his way with us. (The squirrel was later extracted by my ingenious "Corridor of Blankets.")

4. When Carole got drunk (she was on medication and her Grandma had just died.) and she kareoked Tush at Vance's New Year's Eve party.

5. Ken and Ashley's re-telling of Kay Lynn's night at Eric's wedding. "Don't raise the roof, don't raise the roof....awwww, she raised the roof."

There are so many more. Please add...

Dedicated to Robin, My Little Bird

AUGUSTANA LYRICS

"Boston"

In the light of the sun, is there anyone?
Oh it has begun...
Oh dear you look so lost, eyes are red and tears are shed,
This world you must've crossed...you said...

You don't know me, you don't even care, oh yeah,
She said,
You don't know me, and you don't wear my chains...
oh yeah

Essential, yet appealed, carry all your thoughts across
An open field,
When flowers gaze at you... they're not the only ones who cry
When they see you
You said...

You don't know me, you don't even care, oh yeah,
She said,
You don't know me, and you don't wear my chains... oh yeah,

She said I think I'll go to Boston...I think I'll start a new life, I think I'll start it over, where no one knows my name,
I'll get out of California, I'm tired of the weather,
I think I'll get a lover and fly him out to Spain...
I think I'll go to Boston, I think that I'm just tired
I think I need a new town, to leave this all behind...
I think I need a sunrise, I'm tired of the sunset, I hear it's nice in the Summer,
Some snow would be nice... oh yeah

You don't know me, you don't even care...

Boston
Where no one knows my name... yeah
Where no one knows my name...
Where no one knows my name...Yeah, Boston...Where no one knows my name.

Honey's Hive

Please go and check out my sweet girl's blog. I didn't even realize that she was posting.

Yeah,

I know. I'm just so busy! We have moved our business office to my dining room where I am ruling the septic world with an iron fist. Well, maybe not, but I am so swamped. I promise to conclude Satan the Spider soon. I hope everyone out there is doing ok. Pray for me. Love.

Satan the Spider

I wrote this a while back for a young friend who had been in a skirmish with a possum and a baseball bat. Thought you might enjoy.



I've heard it said that courage is not the absence of fear, but doing what is right in the presence of it. Fear is a force that freezes you. You either stand there paralyzed, turn and leave, or continue on as it envelopes you. I fear heights, cows, and bad haircuts. I've had to face each one, whether it was driving, white-knuckled over a high bridge, or by having to cross a pasture full of black Angus thugs while they chewed and stared...I have an appointment Friday for my hair.

My father had a real fear of spiders. He knew that they were really out to get us. Their legs, those beady eyes (however many there are), and the venom- filled, needle like fangs could bring forth a shudder at the very thought. The heebie jeebies. Daddy was always experiencing close calls with the arachnid world. They were all either brown recluses or black widows. And they were aggressive. They could and would charge at you with no notice. Interestingly, though my dad has passed on, my fifteen year old son and my eleven year old daughter have inherited the spider phobia. I'm talking about people who will bail from a moving vehicle if a spider is seen; people who won't sleep in their own beds for a month if a spider somehow makes it passed the pesticides. Freaks, if you will. These are two of my five children.

It was the evening before my oldest son's high school graduation. The sun was about to set, and we were in the back yard. My mom was visiting from Louisiana in order to attend the festivities. We were about to go inside when we heard a shriek. The commotion was coming from the side of the house. I ran over, and being a mother, I expected blood or maybe a broken bone. Then I saw him. He was a very large brown spider, and he was just lurking. Menacingly. His legs were long and muscular. I say "he" because the kids had already named him. His name was Satan.

I wanted to leave Satan alone. Why invite trouble? Don't we have enough? His very name suggested that things could get out of hand. But "things" were already in motion. Honey, the before mentioned eleven year old, had been in the house and had produced one of those little bug cages. This was a big opportunity for her. The next day at school was Show and Tell, and with Satan in a cage....let's just say her social status would have been secure for a good...week. The only person with enough guts to go near Satan was no one in my family. My son's friend, Trey, was all over it. He brushed his fingers at the creature, and he (Satan) spread his eight fleshy legs and, umbrella-like, floated to the ground. Trey had him in the cage in no time. It was done. We unanimously decided that Satan stay outside on the porch. Because he would be happier there.

The next morning arrived with its usual activities. My mom, Maw Maw Kay to my children, was going to play golf with Evan and Isabelle. Andrew and Honey were coming to school with me. We were all hungry and decided to go to a nearby fast food restaurant for some biscuits. We were loading golf bags into the car when Honey made a disturbing discovery. Satan had evidently not made it through the night. He lay on his back; his once strong legs, crumpled. We looked on solemnly for a moment. Honey broke the silence and said, "Oh well, I'm bringing him anyway!" OK, load up everybody!

To be continued with the dramatic conclusion....

I Hereby Believe:

That mayonaise is what makes a sandwich.

That being kind to people is the high calling.

That people can change, but usually don't.

That faith has nothing to do with any feelings.

That Elvis is the King of Rock and Roll.

That it's not all about me (or you for that matter.)

That we are going to be surprised at some of the people in Heaven that God forgave, but we didn't.

That dogs go to Heaven. (along with your other pets)

That I believe some other things, but I'll have to come back later....

Busy, busy bees

I am so ridiculously busy right now, but I thought I had better say something to my public. Hello, my people. What up? I love you all. I'll write soon, I promise.

Depression

Yesterday has everyone sad about Heath Ledger. It's so tragic that someone so young with so much to live for would be so uncontrollably depressed. I have to confess (because it was sinful) that I used to be very judgemental about how "selfish" it must be to be so sad and consumed with your own mind that you commit suicide. God has since shown me something very different.

I have a few people very close to me that are very depressed. I know of a loved one that thought he/she was losing his/her mind, and I thought so as well. I have also experienced the lowest, most "in the pit" times this last year that I have ever been through. (And I have been through some junk, people.) All that to say that people that are sad -that sad- just cannot be compared to how most people walking around are. There is a different level that your mind can go to that teeters on the edge of your control of your mind and your unwell mind controlling you. I just wanted to say this to remind myself and all to extend mercy, love, and more mercy to sad people. People can actually get annoying because they just won't "snap out of it." They can't. I'm not sure of all the answers, but some people need therapy, some need drugs, and some need both. God help us all. We all need Him.

4board Highlights 2

Have no boat? No problem! My kids and friends have found a way to have a good time with the 4 wheeler, some ski rope, and a skim board. 4 boarding! Andrew made this video.

Rooster

My third son is Evan Louque Harvey. He is directly in the middle of 5 children. January 21st is his 14th birthday, so I think I'll celebrate.

Evan has always been cool. I mean really cool. He's always had "something" about him that made him that way. When he was 5, we were about to go somewhere, and he had gone to get ready. He came out with some jeans, a button down shirt- completely unbuttoned, and a shell necklace. He looked at me and said, "I'm ready." I clearly was not ready. When he was 6, we were in the mall walking past Victoria's Secret. As we passed the display window, Evan kinda put his head back just a little and said, "That's what I'm talkin' about."

All of my children have different talents. Evan is smart. He's also an athlete. He plays football and baseball mainly, but he dabbles in everything. Something that most people may not know about Evan is that he is very sensitive to spiritual things. He has had dreams that really seem to be from God. I can remember when he was 7 or 8 and seeing him run outside in his underwear early in the mornings (even in winter!) He seemed to be wanting it to be a secret, so I just watched from a distance, and he'd come inside in about 2 minutes, and run back to bed. I finally asked what he was doing. He was watching Brad drive off and praying for his safety until he drove out of sight. That's Evan. He's my most macho, sensitive kid. I cherish him completely. He's the man.

Our Roux!

In 2001, my brother Vance's chocolate lab, Dixie, had her first litter of puppies. From that group we got our sweet dog, Roux. She is the kindest, meekest dog! We moved in 2006, and she got confused one day following some kids down the new street. We lost her. She's not a "streetwise" type to say the least. It was horrible. I've been looking for her ever since. We've prayed on a regualr basis for her safe return, and for her to just be warm at night. I've gone up to strangers with labs many times and looked at their dog (ready to say, "that's my dog!"). But it was never her...until yesterday. I was at Cross Walk (small, private school) subbing, and it was recess. She came trotting up, and I thought it could be her. I looked at her belly, and lo and behold, the long scar on her stomach from when she ate a toy and needed surgery for her obstucted intestines. It's a true miracle. I know it's her, but I will probably do DNA testing on her so no one can question her identity. She is home. She is exactly the same- her manner, the way she lays, her movements- I can hardly belive this. After 19 months, our dog is home.

Kam

Yesterday was Kameron Kicklighter's birthday He turned 18. He was a little down last night since his day did not seem very special. Ok, he didn't get any presents or phonecalls from people who were closest to him. Bummer.

Kameron is one of the most exceptional people I know. He is smart (he will graduate from high school with his Associate's degree.), he's funny, no- hilarious. He is kind, trustworthy, loyal (like a german shepherd.) I adore him. Happy Birthday, Kam. You and Bradley can legally buy porn now, but the beautiful thing is, it would traumatize both of you. I love you.

Music!

Check out my playlist. Carole so graciously installed it. The songs I chose remind me of people, so one may be you!

I'm dizzy, so I'm not going to write. Turn up my playlist and do some laundry! Peace.

Back in K-Town

Well, Andrew, Honey, Isabelle, Lola the Cat, and I are back in Florida tonight. We drove all day with Lola yowling from Baton Rouge to Tallahassee. She was not happy. Isabelle ate a giant pickle somewhere in Mississippi, but later threw it up in the lobby of Sonny's BBQ. I didn't make eye contact with any of the patrons in the dining room.

Evan, Bradley and Brad stayed behind. Evan and Brad will hunt (the deer are in "rut"), and they will all go to New Orleans on Monday for the game. Evan and Bradley will go in, and Brad will watch from the outside. So if you know of a single ticket out there...

I'm trying to blog, Carole.

I had a good visit in BR. I got to spend a lot of time with my sister, Kay Lynn, who is recovering from surgery. The biggest thing that happened was Micah's falling out of the deerstand. Thank God he is ok. Collapsed lung and sore. We subjected Carole to way too much football. Overall, she wasn't that cranky about it. Steele put a lot of toys in MawMaw Kay's fish tank and caused MawMaw Kay to say curse words. If Dean would have stayed awake while in charge of Steele...hind sight.

I got to see Little Ken, but not Ashley. She had to leave the day I came. That was my one regret from the trip. I got some "It" Jeans (Oprah's favorite!) at 50% off. Kandi helped me with that. Kandi is quite handy with her fashion connection at Claire Marie's.


I'm rambling. I don't even want to re-read this, so I feel for you. Thanks for the interest. It means the world to me. Seriously.

Peace.

Happy New Year!

So, how do you like my new pics? thank you Carole Sue!

I'm in Baton Rouge, but I promise to try to post more for the 2 people who frequent this site. To the both of you...You're the inspiration that keeps me going.

Geaux Tigas!