Johnson Tattler v.2.0

August Tattler

2009-08-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

The August Tattler is out for everyone who has email addresses. If you didn't get it, please let me know and I'll double check my email list and make sure u get one.

thanks

cindy

Christine Cooper-Gloria Nell's Daughter

2009-08-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

This is from Gloria Nell...

My daughter's other grandmother passed away Sunday. She is flying from Seattle to Okla. City for the funeral on Tuesday. My thoughts and prayers are with her. If you could send her a note she would like to know all her family cares.

Love
Gloria Nell

Stupid blanket...

2009-06-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

Had a minor run in with a blanket, resulting in some knee issues, which in turn went into some minor knee surgery. Iced down, propped up and medicated heavily for now...but working on healing and being up and going ASAP...in the meantime as soon as I can get up the stairs to my computer with all my Tattler info on it, I'll email the July edition out ASAP...as of right now, I can't go up the stairs or drive and not sure just how long this will take, but I'll get it out to all of you as soon as I'm able to get going again...

Later,

Cindy

Aunt Verne...update

2009-06-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

Pop says Aunt Verne is now home recuperating from her blood clot. She's doing fine and glad to be home.

Cindy

First Edition -- Johnson Tattler

2009-05-20T07:38:00.001-07:00

The first edition is out via email...if you haven't received a copy, it's because I don't have an updated email address...so if you're interested in getting it, please forward an updated address to me...

thanks family

cindy

Aunt Verne Update

2009-05-16T18:41:00.000-07:00

Clyde just called me & said Vern just got out of surgery. They cut all the infected area out. She is doing good little sleepy. The dr. said they will keep her over the week-end probably be out monday. We pray so. Thanks for all the prayers.

debbie

We're getting closer...

2009-05-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Yep...I'm getting closer to being up and running with an email version of the newly resurrected tattler...If you haven't gotten an email from me today, then that means I don't have an updated email address for you, so if u can send it to me, it'd be most appreciated...if there is something in particular you'd like to have published, pls let me know also...

thanks for all the help

cindy

Aunt Verne Update

2009-05-10T07:16:00.001-07:00

A quick update on mom is they found on her leg a large abyss ( the size of a grapefurit) where she had surgy to remove viens during during her heart bypass two years ago. They don't know why it got infected now, but a surgon will look at it today to make a decision as what to do. I'll keep you updated and thanks for the prayers!!!!
Clyde

News...Tattler Resurrection???

2009-05-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, all you Tattler's out there...I'm working with a friend of mine who uses Microsoft Publisher to send out our church newsletters via email. She claims it's really easy, so when she gets a chance we're going to get together and see if she can show this old dog some new tricks.

I have Microsoft Publisher 2000 already, but it's so old, not sure if it'll email newsletters. So...as soon as I can get with her to figure out if I can send newsletters via e-mail, we are going to try to resurrect the Tattler. Yea...just think of it...the Tattler coming back to life...kind of a scary thought, isn't it. But you have to admit...a fun one...and if I can figure out the emailing issue...I think an enjoyable activity for all of us again. Just think...we'll all have some new bathroom reading material soon. And we all know that's the best reading material...cos you read the ENTIRE issue then...lol.

I, myself have kind of missed hearing about all of the wonderful, intellectual activities all of you Johnson's can become embroiled in. So keep your ears and eyes open for any new news...see...I already made a funny...(I could have been a poet, but didn't know it)...sorry...I get off track pretty easily...as u can tell. Anyway...my plan...once I get my new computer re-loaded and going again, and I can get with Andrea about the Publisher issue, I'll get with Danny/Geraldine and get emails and get to work.

Thanks Johnson's

cindy

Johnson Reunion Account Upate...Danny Yount

2009-05-04T14:05:00.001-07:00

Johnson Acct. “A”
Balance as of 05-02-09....................................$1,247.00
Raffle and donations................................ 1,348.39
Total.......................................................... 2,695.39
Deductions.............(propane) Charles J.... 135.00
(Supplies) Geraldine.. 134.74
(Plaque) Danny........... 48.65
Total as of 05-03-09.................................$2,377.00

Aunt Mary Nell Update...3-31-09

2009-03-31T11:57:00.001-07:00

They will be moving Aunt Mary Nell over to a different building in a few minutes for rehab. We know her room number is 309B but not sure of the phone yet. We think it is 903-596-3000 . When we get an update or a correction we will holler at ya.
Danny

Aunt Mary Nell Update...

2009-03-29T15:32:00.001-07:00

Just heard from Weldon that Aunt Mary Nell has been moved from intensive care to intermediate care. This means that she is able to have visitors more often and most of all that she is doing a WHOLE LOT BETTER. She still has a lot of milestones to cross but the outlook is good. It shows that prayer does work.
Her room number is 3376 and she is at the East Texas Medical Center in Tyler Texas. I don't have the actual phone number but you can call information for that. Continue to pray for her and her family as they go through the next few days and weeks. If there is another update I'll let you know.
Danny

Mary Ellen and Guy's Newest Grandson...

2009-03-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

Becky and Steve had a beautiful baby boy this morning at 7:28 am,

Monday, March 9, 2009.

Landon Patrick Besch

9lbs 1oz 19 inches.

Everyone is doing good.

Guy Update...

2009-03-08T05:11:00.000-07:00

YEAH!!!!!! Guy is home and recuperating. He still is having some problems, but we are hoping the medication will correct them.
Hopefully he will listen to the doctors and won't be too hardheaded!!! (at least for a few days)
Thanks for all of the prayers......

I will let everyone know what Becky and Steve have Monday!

Love,
Mary

Guy Update...

2009-03-06T06:00:00.001-08:00

Guy came out of the procedure about 8:30pm. The doctor said he feels it went well. They were able to work on the SVTs (fast heart rate) which start in the top part of the heart. That is what was causing the fast beats. He worked on it for about 4 1/2 hours. He could not work on the bottom of the heart (which is what is causing the PVCs) because he was beginning to have problems with his blood pressure getting too low, and in order to correct the PVCs Guy would have had to be under for 5 more hours, and the doctor did not feel like he could tolerate that.
They will watch him tonight and if the heart rate is not corrected they may have to go back in tomorrow, but the doctor feels this should help him, and is hoping he will be able to come home within a day or so. They will probably try different medicines for the PVCs, hoping they will work now that the heart rate seems to be better.

I just spoke to the ICU nurse, and she said Guy is resting. I will be back for visiting at 10:00am tomorrow.
Hopefully he will be ready to come home.
Thanks for the prayers. I will keep in touch.

Mary

Guy Update...

2009-03-06T05:17:00.000-08:00

Guy had a good day yesterday. His heart rate is finally down, but he is still having the PVCs. The doctors have started him on medicine for that, but it will take about 5 doses before it takes effect. He is still in ICU, but we are hoping he will be able to come home Saturday.
I will let you know.
love
Mary

Update on Guy...

2009-03-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

They released Guy last night. The last medicine they gave him seems to be helping, but it drops his heart rate too low sometimes. He will be re-admitted to a different hospital for a Catheter Ablation. We are waiting to hear from the specialist today to see when. Probably will be Wednesday or Thursday.

They will insert catheters into the groin and neck and thread up into the heart.
This will allow the doctors to record the electrical activity of his heart and determine what kind of heart rhythm problems he is having, then they can identify the specific areas of heart tissue where the fast heart rate is starting or where the heart is mis-firing. The wires are used to send energy to those areas in the heart, and destroy that tissue. They say destroying these tiny areas can cure the heart rhythm problem. This procedure will take 5 to 6 hours.

The tests have shown that there is some muscle weakness. They are hoping that once the heart rate is corrected, the heart muscle will get stronger. If not, then we will have to deal with that. Right now we are taking it one step at a time.
I am glad to have him home, but nervous at the same time. I felt better when he was being monitored.
Anyway, by the end of the week all of this should be finished and he will be on the road to recovery.
He has to be. Becky is scheduled to have her baby next Monday, so we have to move on to a different patient.
I will let you know when the procedure is scheduled.
Please keep him in your prayers.
love
Mary

Mary Ellen Surgery Update...

2009-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let you know that my mom is home following surgery. She was in surgery for 7 1/2 hours on Friday. She was out of surgery about an hour when they noticed she developed a hematoma above one of the surgery sites. They brought her back to surgery for another hour to clear that out and make sure everything else was ok.

She came home yesterday - she is one tough cookie! She says she is sore, but other than that she is not complaining. She still has her drains in....I think those will be in for atleast 3 more weeks. From what the doctor said, she will need a couple more operations in the future due to the fact that the tissue on her left side was so badly damaged from the radiation 9 years ago.

Becky

Whoo-hoo...Good News!

2009-02-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

Our sweet little baby girl, Nicole, Susan's daughter is getting married!

Sometime in August if they can get the dates worked out, soooo...we're all in "getting married" mode for now!

Cindy

Phil's Health...

2009-01-13T06:53:00.001-08:00

Quote from Denise...
Phil's loving-compassionate-wonderful-colorful-interesting-loveable-truthful wife of many
years...

Today was the day!!!
The Good-The Bad-and The Ugly!

The Good... Cancer Free.

Phil had a Colonoscopy and it went well. They found 6 Pollups (?spelling?) and none seem to be cancerous. He has to go back in 3 years to retest.

The Bad...

Every thing done twice.

First; the needle stick for the IV. He has great veins but she missed the first time and she stuck him again.

Ouch Second; One of the pollups that was removed continued to bleed, so the doctor put a clamp on it. (The clamp comes back out the same way it went in. The doctor said he didn't want it back!!)

Third; Phil was in alot of pain, light headed and also started to vomit. Spit and some blood came up, so they took X-Rays of his lower abdomen. They didn¢t like the first set of X-Rays so they came and did a second set on the upper abdomen and chest. (No findings)

Fourth; Poor Phil, still in pain and cramping so they did blood work. Nooooo they couldn¢t get it with the first stick they stuck him twice. The blood work revealed an elevated enzyme count. So they will probably change one of his meds for his bloob pressure and he has to see the doctor in a month. In the mean time no alchol either. OOOOOOOOO!!!

Fifth; Then the gas built up in his tummy and he looked like he would deliver any second (Becky Besche, no pun intended). This had to be walked off.

The Ugly...

Oooooo That Smell. The doctor said that there was nothing he could see that was wrong and gave phil permission to pass as much gas as freely as he wanted to. So now he gave him the green light to fart in public. Where is Danny Yount when you need him?!?

The Moral...
Don¢t give a true fart sniffer permission to aim at will!!

Denise
unquote

"cindy"--and of course I asked denise permission to post b4 I did--and this was her response...

denise--quote--

Only if you add that the nurse was just poking fun when drawing his blood and that I wrote "Exit Only!" on his butt.

Thanks
Denise
unquote

Ricky ... Brenda's hubby

2008-12-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

Forgot...sorry...Aunt Mary Nell told me one day this week? that Ricky had had a brief encounter with a saw and his thumb at work...the saw temporarily won, but after a trip to the ER, Ricky is back together and mending...

Cindy

Aunt Patty Update...

2008-12-16T11:48:00.001-08:00

I am very sorry to announce that Mrs. Johnson Passed away Sunday at 9pm. We still have no clue as to what happened. Thanks for keeping her and her children in your thoughts and prayers.At the present time, Phil and his siblings are planning to move Mr. Johnson from Chalmet, Louisiana to Deadwood, Texas, where Mr. Johnsons parents and grandparents are buried. Mrs. Johnson chose to be cremated. They are planning a joint service at the Deadwood cemetery. I will keep you posted but it won't be for a while.

Denise

It's SNOWING... In HOUSTON!

2008-12-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

AND...it acutally stuck to the ground and roofs overnite...this is Logan, Jack, Naomi and Mike playing in the snow...Logan absolutely went crazy over it...Jack...he wasn't too sure...not sure who went craziest the most, Logan or Naomi...lol

enjoy !

http://www.flickr.com/gp/7231631@N08/nvkLjc

Geraldine Update from Danny*Diane

2008-11-22T05:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Ya'll,

By now some or most of you have heard that my sister, Geraldine had a mild heart attack last week. She did not realize it until yesterday while taking a stress test and they realized that she had had one last week. She underwent surgery this morning in Bossier City. Everything went well. She had one artery with a 75% blockage and one with 10% and another with 20%. They put a stint in the 75% artery. The doctor said that there was some "graying" around that artery which indicated she was building up for another attack at any time. She had minor damage done to the lower part of the heart but with meds, exercise and diet she can get better with it. Please pray for her and her family as they go through this time of healing in her body. I will update you as I know more.

Love you all,
Danny

Update on Geraldine

2008-11-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

Aunt Verne just called Pop. Geraldine is in recovery and did great. They put a stint in the bottom of her heart. They expect her to go home Monday.

Prayer Request-Pam Pitre & Family

2008-11-03T07:46:00.000-08:00

This is from Mary Ellen...Re: Phil's daughter health info...

Cindy,
Following is an email from Pam (Phil's daughter). When she was very young, their neighbor's children were playing on a riding lawnmower and rolled over her foot cutting off her toes and causing damage to the growth plate in that leg. They were able to save the big toe on that foot, but with the damage to the growth plate, she had to have several surgeries over the years to try keep that leg the same length as her other leg. (Which they have not been able to do. This has caused many problems with her legs and back). She has had alot of pain over the years with the surgeries and complications from the accident and surgeries. Pam's attitude is very positive and she is a very strong person, but she will have a rough time ahead.
Please keep Pam, her husband Steve, and their children Anthony and Benjamin in your prayers.
Thanks
Mary

Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:34 PM
Subject: Pam's surgery
As some of you know I've been contemplating another surgery. After the last one in 2005 nothing has been right. Well it is worse than I thought. The Orthopedic Surgeon has given me a few options one of them being amputation of the foot. Wow that shocked me. I don't want half a foot. to me that is worse than what I have now. After much thought and 3 consults later I have decided to amputate below the knee. We all know that my problems don't end below the ankle. I will have a much better function with a prosthetic leg than with a fused half foot with a limb discrepancy (yes I still have one leg shorter than the other). My surgery will be on Nov 24th. Don't be sad for me because I'm looking forward to my new life being as normal as I've ever been. We're not talking mentally because there isn't any hope in that department. Send shoes because for once in my life I'll be able to wear what I want. that is a plus. Just wanted you to know so you won't be shocked next time you see me.

Please keep Pam and her family as well as Phil and Denise in your prayers...

Thanks,

Cindy

News about Hollis and Wallace...

2008-10-24T06:29:00.000-07:00

Hi,

You've probably already heard about what's been happening around here. But just in case you've missed out on the news...

Monday morning about 1:00 am, Hollis lost all feeling on his right side. We took him by ambulance to the hosp. By that time he could move his arm and leg a little. It turned out that he'd had a TIA. The Dr. told him that was a warning. Thank goodness he's fine now, but it was a scare.

Also, the next day, Wallace hurt his hand and had to be taken to the EMR for stitches. Wow! twins stick together, don't they?

ME? I'm fine, just going bananas. (that's just normal for me)

bye for now, love you all.

HAPPINESS IS KNOWING THE LOVE OF JESUS

GERALDINE

Aunt Vickie Update...

2008-10-10T20:18:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to say thanks for your prayers and conceern.

Mother came home today and is doing very well!! She lived and the stingray died. She probably infected it with some type of toxins ...... you all know how tough she is. No, all joking aside, she is doing GREAT!!!!

Thanks again to all,

Claudia

Planning Weekend--Aunt Vickie

2008-10-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Just wanted to say that most of my family will probably not be at the family reunion planning meeting this weekend!! If you have not heard, my mother was admitted to the hospital tonight. (This is why I am sending out an email at 2:05 A.M..

She had gone fishing this afternoon (on Barbara and Don's house boat) and caught a stingray on her fishing line. Well, when she went to get it off the line (this is common practice for us), it brought its tail up and stuck the barb in the top of her hand. It went in so far that the doctor told Melba and I that he could see the ligaments through the puncture wound in her hand. The wound is deep and her hand is extremely swollen. Mother is a diabetic, which makes it worst, and they are trying to prevent an infection!!!

I ask that you all keep her in your prayers. She has really been down in the dumps, after Ike drowning her home with fllod waters, losing all of her things that were downstairs (EVERYTHING), and not having Daddy here to help her with all of the decisions!!!

Thanks to everyone, and if someone would take notes at the meeting, Melba and I would appreciate it!!!

Claudia

October Planning Meeting

2008-10-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

For those that are able to make it, this weekend is the reunion planning session. Scott and I won't be able to make it, we're still cleaning up debris from Ike...so ya'll have fun...

Cindy & Scott

Sabine Pass

2008-10-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

Old fart moment...to open the photobucket pictures...

asburyumc

sorry

cindy

Sabine Pass/Hurricake Ike/Weslayan Class Mission Trip

2008-10-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

http://s363.photobucket.com/albums/oo77/Weslayanclass/

Sabine Pass Disaster Relief Mission

2008-10-03T18:41:00.001-07:00

We're headed to Sabine Pass Saturday 6 am to help with their Disaster Relief Team...we've been told there are numerous snakes in the area...please pray for NO SNAKES...I think we can handle the work, but not sure about snakes!

I'll fill u in when we get back...

Later,

Cindy & Scott

Galveston-Crystal Beach weblinks

2008-09-29T08:01:00.001-07:00

http://chron.com/news/photogallery/Ike_blasts_Houston_Galveston.html

Hurricane Ike Updates...

2008-09-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

I think we all have power again...thank you God...we are spoiled yes, and like I said before...we love it. The stores in our area are not open their normal hours yet, every day more and more seem to be getting back to normal a little more, but the grocery stores just aren't the same...cheese seems to be a luxury now...lol...but at least we can find it most of the time.

Everyone I've talked to so far, has minor damages, lots of trees, but minor, with one exception that I know of. Naomi's husband, Mike...his father and brother who "lived" in San Leon. Their home is still physically intact, but it was severely flooded from Ike and is no longer liveable. They have salvaged what they could from the upstairs, and they are physically ok, but they for now are living with Naomi and Mike in Pasadena. Mike's dad is not in very good shape health wise, he's on oxygen and various other breathing machines, so not having power was difficult for him. He was able to connect to a neighbors generator with an extension cord to help as much as possible with his breathing problems. But he says it's a lot better than sleeping on the hood of his car, which he did for a brief time. Nobody's landlines or cell phones worked for awhile, so finding someone was a bit difficult.

Mike's dad is trying to work with FEMA for a temporary housing situation. But for right now, he'll be with Naomi and Mike, as will be Mike's brother, Aaron, but they're alive and well...just displaced right now.

If you know information of others, please let me know, so I can post it for everyone's benefit.

I believe some in LA. had some flooding, but not sure about the extent of damages, etc.

Thanks a lot.

Cindy

Hurricane Ike Updates...Debbie/Clyde

2008-09-21T19:33:00.001-07:00

We got our power on about 1 hour ago...YEA !!!!! It was starting to get hotter each day. Nice to know we don't have to fight or hunt for free ice & water !!! Or gas...We just got gas in our town 2 days ago. debbie

Hurricane Ike Link

2008-09-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.chron.com/news/photogallery/Ike_blasts_Houston_Galveston.html

Hurricane Ike Updates

2008-09-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

We're back online...thank God for that...and for electricity...yes, we are all spoiled rotten, but I love it...and I think if we're all honest with ourselves...we all are.

What do u say after a hurricane?? Thank God we're all alive...cry...praise God more...and cry more...then grow up a bit more, and start the work of rebuilding...but I'm so glateful it's rebuilding and not search and recovery...not for our families anyway. But our hearts break everytime we see more pictures...and as time slowly creeps by us right now, we are slowly seeing more and more news stories and pictures...so right now we seem to cry at the blink of an eye...when a dog walks by...when a tree limb moves...and ... when the wind blows...never thought I'd not like the sound of the wind blowing...but at least the winds are quiet and peaceful now...so once again...thank you God. I know one day the sounds of the wind will also quiet down and be peaceful again.

But for right now as all of us who have gone through a hurricane know...we just buckle down, pull together and keep putting one foot in front of the other one again. God has not brought us this far without a reason...and like he's done so many times in the past, he will carry us through this and help us all heal.

As far as I know at this point, Gloria Nell and Greg are fine...major tree damage like everyone else in the surrounding counties. Naomi and Mike lost some fenceline and tree damage...we had a small section of boards at the garage tear up, Michael lost a bit of his chimneystack, Susan and Paul were tree damage. Naomi's father-in-law, had 3 1/2 - 4 feet of water in his home in San Leon. Scott's mom and dad, had a large tree uproot in their backyard, but it landed on a nearby gazebo, which took the major hit...their backyard is tore up pretty bad, so you can't tell too much of the housing damage, but it's not leaking, so we don't think it tore up the roofline too badly...but there's just too much tree damage/etc in their backyard to check right now. Pop is in E. Tx. where he has power and is fine. Nicole couldn't leave the hospital, but she was ok. And Scott's brother, Terry was evacuated from SE Memorial in our area to Memorial City about 45 minutes from us. Terry is still in the hospital for right now. At this point, Mike's dad is the only one whose home is not liveable. He's been working with FEMA to get something worked out for his situation.

We have a few stores starting to open back up...no cold foods at all, just canned items, but at least they're starting to open back up. Gas is $3.89 now...back up from 3.22 in our area of town, but there are more stations opening up for gas now also.

All in all...we were very blessed, we have very minor damages...nothing like so much of Houston and the surrounding areas have had. So once again...Thank you God !

Cindy

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beachadam/show/

http://www.flickr.com/gp/7231631@No8/01m339

i hope these links work, the first is from a Volunteer Surfside Fireman, the 2nd is ones Naomi took, some hours b4 the storm.

Congrats.... to Salvador Vazquez M. D.

2008-09-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

This is Randy's (Aunt Mary Nell's son) son-in-law....

http://www.shelbycountytoday.com/article5.php

Congrats....

Gustav Damage Update--Claudia

2008-09-08T05:56:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Just wanted to say that we returned home tonight (finally got electricity). We had no real damage (only fencing, a few tree branches, and storm debris from others yards!!).

If you sent something that I needed to respon to, please resend it. I got rid of all 500 emails that I received while not on the net!!! If we have to evacuate again (possibly Thursday for Ike), I will send out another email. Until then ...... glad to be home.

Hope all made out ok for Gustave!!

Claudia

Gustav Damage Update--9/7/08

2008-09-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

Vickie didn't get her elecrticy back on yet. Claudia and family are going to stay with her daughter until they find out what Ike is going to do. Cary is having some problems with spiting blood and Grady is still passing blood from his kidneys.

Love to all,
Aunt Mary Nell

Not sure what these problems are from, but as soon as we find out, we'll let u know...

ce

Hurricane Gustav Update...

2008-09-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

This is from Aunt Mary Nell...

quote:

They think Vickie's electricity will be back on tomorrow,the food in her freezer is still good,us pray that they will get the electricy on tomorrow.
Claudia said they will stay with her daughter until they can get her power back on as CARY and Edgar can't stand the heat.
Edgar is having trouble with kidney stones and need to get back to his Dr.
Take care and I love all of you.

unquote.

Hurricane Gustav Damage Information...

2008-09-05T11:11:00.001-07:00

This is from Aunt Mary Nell...as soon as we find out more, we'll let u know...

quote:

Vickie is at Melba's, her house had some damage to the electric unit and she will get it fixed soon. Claudia still can't get into her place for the down trees and power lines, she has gone back to Jeane's. Gerald and Tina are going back tomorrow as they said they have cleared the roads to thier house.

Unquote.

Aunt Mary Nell

Evacuation News...

2008-09-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

Not sure if this is the latest, but this is what Uncle Charles just told my dad today...our evacuees are planning on heading back home sometime Friday am when they are allowed back into their cities. As soon as we hear news, I'll get it posted for you...

Thanks

Cindy

News from Mary Ellen ...

2008-08-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Thanks to every one for your prayers over the last few months. They have helped carry us through this ordeal once again.

I went to the doctor today, and confirmed that my last chemo treatment was on 8/12/08, and I am now in the monitor mode. He said everything is looking good, my red blood count is still very low (they gave me another shot for that), but my white count is up and looks good. He said that it will take a couple of months for my body to recuperate, and then I will be good to go.

Thanks again for the prayers

Mary

Attitude is everything
Be kinder than necessary,for everyone you meet is fighting somekind of battle.
Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.It’s about learning to dance in the rain

Alexander Family Reunion--Nov. 2008

2008-08-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Quote--from Claudia

I have received this from the Alexander family (Grandma Johnson's side of our family) reunion committee. It is my hope that a few of us can make it to this reunion! If you have any questions, please let me know and I will try to get the answers!!

Claudia

I have confirmed Burroughs Park in north Harris County (north Houston) for our November 1 Alexander Family Reunion - a map is attached. This is a place our family visited about 10 years ago when John was doing his Eagle Scout project. At that time we discovered they have a pavilion and I began to dream that one day an Alexander Reunion would be held there. The park has a 7 acre fishing lake, two playgrounds, lots of hiking trails, and sports activity fields. The pavilion is covered and HUGE - with electricity !!
So even if there is a torrential rain storm (which there WON'T be) - we can still go on with the party.

We'll start gathering around 10:00 am and go to about 4:00 pm.
I haven't started organizing any type of food list - but if there's something you want to bring, please reply and let me know.

I hope you'll be able to join us ...
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and ALL that is within me ...."

unquote--claudia

I tried to post the map, but it's not taking...sorry...the address is...

Harris County Precinct 4
Roy Campbell Burroughs Park
9738 Hufsmith Road
Tomball, Texas 77375-2521

Jerry Eversole
Commissioner

We have some new Texans !

2008-08-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Michael and Aunt Patty are about to be our newest Texans ! Well, actually, I think Michael is already officially a Texan, staying with Phil and Denise and I believe Aunt Patty will be living in Texas shortly. They are in the process now of moving her furniture, etc and settling up with her house in LA.

Her new address and phone number is as follows:
1260 CR 465
Carthage, Texas 75633

Phone Number is 903-622-4544

She is expecting the phone to be working in about 2 weeks.

Whoo-hoo...Welcome to Texas !

Mary Ellen's Get Well View !

2008-08-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

News from Mary Ellen!

2008-08-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hi,These are pictures we took today at my chemo session, and thought I would share. The room is set up in a U shape. The chairs face the outside, overlooking a garden. They have always had a few plants with the fountain. It was very pretty, with a peaceful calm.Monday morning when the staff arrived for work, they were greeted with a pleasant surprise. The pictures do not capture the how wonderful the garden now looks. There must be 50 or more flamingos, (the pink ones in the center, little flamingo with wings, flamingo heads thoughout the plants) and lots of new plants. The pictures don't show all of the plants.They said this was all done over the weekend by an annoymous donor. I hope that person knows how much it is being enjoyed.

Cindy, I thought you would really enjoy this!!

Mary

PS...i'm gonna try to post the pictures...wish me luck!

2008-07-28T12:31:00.001-07:00

Finally feeling rested and ready to go again...lol!

2008-07-28T11:54:00.001-07:00

Wow...I've been back for a week now from UM Army and do I feel better. It took a good part of 3 days or so for my swollen ankles to go down enough to be able to bend without hurting like crazy.

For those who aren't familiar with UM Army, it's United Methodist Action Reach-Out Mission by Youth. It is an opportunity for youth and adults to join together as "servants" for God and helping those in need. The purpose is to help others, but for the volunteers to also learn to truly be a "servant" for God in all aspects. They have more than one ARMY campsite, Athens, Texas, is the one our particular group went to this year.

I went this year as a "greenhorn", I've been on mission trips before, but they've always been local/short trips. This one started on Sunday, July 13 and ended on Saturday, July 19. And boy oh boy...at times it seemed like it would never end.

Our first day we got up at 4 am, because one person was an early bird and he wanted his coffee by 5 am...our old pot in the kitchen took 45 minutes to perk up a pot, soooo....4 am we drug ourselves out of bed...and I do say...drug...we weren't perky little campers at that time of the morning. We did find another camper, (2 eventually) who also woke up early on a normal basis and he (they) graciously agreed to turn on the pot for us in the am, if we would just get it ready to go before our bedtime each night. Their names were Mike and Robert. There aren't enough words to tell you how gracious we felt towards these two men for this help. From then on, we were allowed to sleep to 5 am...but by 5:15 we were up/dressed and heading to the kitchen to start off for the days events.

Every day our alarm clock would go off at 5 am...lights out (for the kids) was supposed to be at 11 pm...then we would start our nighttime clean up routine. We did have scheduled clean-up times where the kids helped, and this saved us a LOT. But our normal bedtime was between midnight and 2 am more than once.

As with everything, we experienced hills and valleys. This is a new "terminology" we learned from one of the campers...and I have to admit...I luv the thought process of this. When we would pray as a group, we always hold hands...no particular reason, other than it makes us feel closer to each other...but one night...one particularly "trying" night...we had all experienced some major "tribulations" that shook us to the core. We were all so worn out already and then we had this major incident happen. There wasn't anything we could do about the situation, we had already cried ourselves silly and all that was doing was giving us headaches and making us sick feeling.

So we spontaneously all joined hands to pray...just as we were about to start praying, one of the campers, stopped us...he told us to break our hands apart and hold them up. He held his hand up, spread his fingers wide and started talking. Now look at your fingers spread wide open...HILLS AND VALLEYS...and he ran his fingers up and down his fingers on his other hand, looks like hills and valleys, doesn't it...lol...and isn't this what life is about...ups and downs...or...HILLS AND VALLEYS...God is there for us the entire time, no matter if we are in a VALLEY or a HILL...so when we join hands from now on, we don't just hold hands...we join together as HILLS AND VALLEYS.

This may sound like a silly thing to you, but at that time, we definitely needed that silly little thing. We all prayed a round circle type prayer, everyone said what they wanted or needed to. We were all still worn out and tired, both emotionally and physically, but we knew we could now re-group and be ready to go again and not let the hurdle that almost tore us apart keep us apart.

I'm not going to go into just what happened. I think sometimes when the devil knows he's up against some strong competition, he tries as hard as he can to tear it apart...maybe this is what he was doing with our camp, creating chaos/turmoil so he could be happy, but we chose to let God carry us through a very difficult situation and guide us. I know our kitchen crew, along with quite a few others are very grateful to God for carrying us through this week. It was a hard, tough week, and we couldn't have made it without him carrying every one of us.

God is good...thanks!

UM Army

2008-07-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a week in Athens, Texas with the Texas UM Army Conference. This is a Youth Based mission project. We had 94 youth and adults go to Athens, Texas, (close to Dallas area) and worked on various homes for elderly and indigent that were in need of repair. I worked in the kitchen with a group of 3 other ladies, where we cooked and fed the campsite for the week. My doggies are very swollen and tired, but we all survived getting up at 5 am and working til almost midnight each night. A very hard week, with a lot of valleys and hills along the way, but in the end, a satisfying week. I'll try to find the link from the Athens newspaper so you can read about it for yourselves.

Going to prop my feet up again for awhile.

Cindy

http://www.athensreview.com/archivesearch/local_story_199021318.html

Aunt Verne

2008-07-07T13:50:00.001-07:00

Aunt Verne had her knee surgery this past Monday. She's doing great and in a re-hab hospital for right now. She's doing so well, she's expecting to go home within the next few days.

Sorry to be late with this posting, I just found out about it and time just seems to be speeding by too fast for us.

Cindy

2008-07-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Michael's Truck

2008-07-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

Michael thought he had a protected turn lane and turned left in front of a BFI garbage truck. He was able to walk away from this accident with very minimal physical injuries. He'll be having some dental work done, he has a good knot on his head with a good size road rash burn, the seatbelt caused a good size bruise, some swelling and minor cuts/bruises, but otherwise, he is physically ok.

I've always believed in Guardian Angels myself...but if you've ever doubted their existance, I think is proof positive they exist...

God is good...Thank you God for protecting our son...Luv u...

Cindy & Scott

Michael's Truck

2008-07-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Margie/Randy Garrett

2008-06-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Quote from Claudia...

I just received this email from Aunt Mary Nell. Please remember this family in your prayers. If you are unsure who this is, Margie is Aunt Mary Nell's daughter-in-law (Randy's wife).

Claudia
Unquote from Claudia

Quote from Aunt Mary Nell...

Claudia, I hope things are going well with you.
Margie just called and told me her brother,Charles Dockins, just died.
Just wanted to let you know.
Love ya

Unquote from Aunt Mary Nell...

Medical Update--Mary Ellen Dussouy

2008-06-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

This is the latest info on Mary Ellen...

The doctors have decided that I am in the group that will benefit from chemo. So....that will be what we do. I am scheduled for several tests next week.

On June 9th I will go in to have the port put in. My doctor says that even though I will only have 4 treatments, the chemo will destroy the veins in my arm, and since I only have one arm they can use, they feel this is the easiest and safest way. I had the port last time, and it worked out great. Once the port is in, they want to start chemo. So I guess sometime after the 9th it will begin.

I am also scheduled to meet with a genetic counselor. This doctor will determine if I should have a gene test to see if I test positive for this cancer gene.(Again, depending on the insurance company) I will meet with him on June 13. I know he will be asking questions about family history. Have you heard of anyone in our family having breast cancer. I would imagine he will also want to know about any other types of cancer. I know there has been some, but not sure exactly what kind. I feel the more information I can give him, the easier it will be for him make a decision.

Once I have been tested, if I test positive, then they will know what gene to look for in family members.

Well, here I go again.... beginning my journey. The good thing this time is it is only 4 treatments instead of 8. And no radiation!!!!!
Plus I have a great peaceful get away place.

I will keep you posted.

love
mary

Longstreet High School Reunion News !

2008-06-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

This info is from Geraldine...

The reunion is the last Sat. of this month. (June 28) Starts at 2:00 and we will have a catered lunch at 4:00. We've got Shaver's Crawfish and Catering from Shreveport, feeding us this year. It's going to be fish with all the trimmings and Gumbo. There's no charge, but people usually donate if they want too.

Hope to see ya'll soon. gh

The reunion is held at the Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department building. It's a blue frame building in Shiloh, Louisiana.

Prayer Concern--Aunt Verne

2008-05-22T05:07:00.000-07:00

This is from Aunt Mary Nell--

Just wanted to let you know Vern has the shingles, they are hoping they don't go into her eyes as they are on her head and face.

Love ya... A>M>N.

I've heard shingles can be pretty painful, so I'm sure a prayer for healing would tickle her pink...

Thanks to everyone.

Luv u all,

Cindy

Phil's Surprise !

2008-05-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Phil signed his own "Surprise Shower Card !"

quote..

Well, I was trying to get everyone to sign the card for him and Denise and he caught me. He asked what the card was for and I told him that it was a card that we were going to leave at Daddy's memorial. He said that he wanted to sign it also. What could I do? I told him that it was full of signatures inside and he would have to sign the back ...... which he did!!!!

When he told the story to Denise she laughed and said she thought it was funny!!!

cjl

unquote

Do you THINK he was surprised ! lol

Posting pictures to the blog...

2008-05-09T06:56:00.000-07:00

Just trying out posting pics on the blog. So of course the first few will be my munchkins. Logan was so excited about his lemonade stand and helping out the Old House. He asked me what they used the money for and I gave him a few examples. He thought it was so cool that his money was helping out. I am so proud of him!!

Naomi

Oh, if you have pictures you'd like my mom to post be sure to email them to her at cevans1004@aol.com. If you've got a lot I can put them into a slideshow.

Correction-Monies Total-Reunion 2008

2008-05-09T05:35:00.000-07:00

Just a minor boo-boo...under the caption--More Reunion News--...

the correct money totals--

T-shirts...$ 522.00
Lemondade Stand $ 23.00

The total is the same, but the Lemonade stand and the t-shirt monies had previously been put together and now we've seperated them, but the totals are the same...

Thanks again,

Melba

Cary Medical Update

2008-05-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Just wanted to send you'll an email and say thanks to all of you for your support, prayers, and funny words (when I needed them the most)!!

We went to the doctor today for Cary's update on his cancer. The doctor has told us that the PET scan ...... shows NO MORE SIGNS OF CANCER!!!!!!!

Thank all of you for your support.

Hugs,

Claudia

Congratulations...Crystal Dussouy !

2008-05-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Our daughter in law, Crystal Dussouy (Guy Jr's wife) will graduate next Saturday (5/17/08) from Southeastern Louisiana University with her Master's Degree in Special Education. She has worked very hard and will be graduating with honors.

Mary

Mary Ellen/Aunt Patty Medical Updates

2008-05-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

Mary Ellen update--
We are waiting for approval from the insurance company for some tests to be done, one being the test that will tell the doctors what the percentage is for me to have another cancer. That will determine if chemo is needed. It is a new test and has not been approved by all insurance companies yet. We are not sure if our's will approve. So far, with the tests that have been run, the doctors feel this is the very beginning of Stage 1 breast cancer.

Other than that I am doing good. Doctor said yesterday that he wants to wait about 2 months for the second stage of the surgery.

Aunt Patty update--
My mom is doing good. The tests came back pre cancerous-thankfully they caught it in time. The surgeon released her on Tuesday, but of course she is still under the care of the heart and lung doctors. I think she has made a remarkable recovery. She is so excited about getting up to east texas to look for a trailer. I haven't seen her like this in a long time.

Very Important to have those colonoscopies and mammograms!!!!!!

And one more thing. Our daughter in law, Crystal Dussouy (Guy Jr's wife) will graduate next Saturday (5/17/08) from Southeastern Louisiana University with her Master's Degree in Special Education. She has worked very hard and will be graduating with honors.

Mary

Alexander Reunion 2008--November 1, 2008

2008-05-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

This is the email Claudia received from Leslie Alexander, from Grandma Johnson's side of our family, the Alexanders. As soon as we find out more detailed information on this event, we'll pass it on to everyone so you can make arrangements to attend if possible.

Quote--
Please mark your calendars ... the Alexander Family Reunion is scheduled for HOUSTON ... Saturday, November 1, 2008.

This email is to warn ... I mean notify everyone and PLEASE PLEASE .... look at the distribution list and verify your family is included and I have the correct email address for them. Most communication will be via email - except to those people that don't do email.

I am hoping to reserve the Pavilion at Burroughs Park which is in north Harris County - almost to the Montgomery County line. Pretty close to where we met the last time in Houston - but BETTER !!! We can't send in our reservation until June 2 - so I won't have a location set until then.

All suggestions for food and fun are appreciated. We want to make this a fun and relaxing day that everyone will enjoy and look forward to. Burroughs Park offers lots of playground equipment, a stocked fishing lake, and other fun amenities. I think it would be fun to have one activity some time during the day (other than eating) the whole family can participate in at one time ... anyone have any ideas?

So - get out that calendar right now and mark November 1 a RED LETTER DAY:
ALEXANDER REUNION !!!.

Love to you all
Leslie-- Leslie Alexander

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and ALL that is within me ...."

Unquote--

More 2008 Reunion News

2008-05-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

Heritage Hill Repair/Upkeep Account

Shirts ..... $545.00
Donations 470.00
Silent Auction 189.25
______________
sub total $1204.25
Previous balance 588.58
_______
Total $1792.83

Melba

The wonderful music from the fiddlers and the accordian player:

The adult gentleman is Elsie Johnson Cagle's son ....... Randy Cagle

The children are his girlfriends children ..... they are Liz Kelley and Eric Kelley.

Claudia

Reunion 2008 News

2008-05-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

It seemed to be a great successful reunion. We had 113 in attendance. We missed those that weren't able to make it!!! (Danny, Diane, Brenda, and anyone else that couldn't make it). The kids enjoyed the fishing contest, cup cake contest, the weiner roast, and the hay ride.

Geraldine got "Person of the Year" (Congratulations!)

Fishing Contest Results
0-12 years old

Largest Fish -- Megan Holmes
First Fish -- Cody Risinger
Most Fish -- Kayla Boudoin
Smallest Fish - Ireland Smith

13-17

Largest, Smallest, First and Largest Fish ..... Karian King

Lemonade Stand -- Logan Lines -- $23.00 was donated to the Heritage Hill Monies Fund for his "Jeff Bagwell" Lemonade Entrepreneur Project

I believe everyone had a great time, but as always, not enough time to enjoy each other's company...it just seems to always go by so fast...but still a wonderful time with each other.

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to keep this family tradition alive and growing!

Claudia

First Cousins Club

2008-05-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

I haven't heard back from everyone, so will just pass on the ideas we talked about for next years reunion.

We mainly want to "revitalize" the silent auction and get the excitement back in it.

1. Gloria said she has an old cookbook from Galloway, that had recipes in it from
several of our family members.. She thought maybe she'd make at least 2 copies for sale
2. We could possibly make a cookbook for the younger generation.
(I guess have them send in recipes)
3. Any who can make something homemade like crafts, paintings, furniture, etc. We just
need something that would really get that old competitive spirit back into the auction
like we used to have.
4. An "Official Silent Auction Committee" could be formed, so that everything wouldn't have
to be done at the last minute. This committee can call on volunteers to take care of an
area that may need attention.

I seem to remember someone already who "volunteered" to be on the committee. Don't
know if I dreamed it or wished it. Check with Gloria on that one also.

5. We talked about forming a FIRST COUSINS CLUB.

Hope this helps.

love ya! geraldine

Oops...forgive me!

2008-05-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

FYI...

I told you I was new to this, so please forgive me...I already made a boo-boo. I was going to call this blogspot, the First Cousins Club, but the name was taken...so we're calling it Johnson Tattler v 2.0...

I know I don't have everyone's email address to let them know about this, so I'm counting on my fellow partners in crime to help me out with spreading the news...

Thanks again,

Cindy

Johnson Reunion News May 5, 2008

2008-05-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Johnson Family...

I'm really new to this blogging stuff, and I'm learning with the "total" help of my daughter, Naomi, so please be gentle with my boo-boos and failings.

As all of you "older" Johnson's know, for awhile we had a family newsletter called the "Johnson Tattler". It was around for 5-6 years, can't remember just how long now, but with work schedules changing and some dramatic life changes, it just eventually went to never-never land.

While we were in East Texas this weekend for our families "25th "consecutive" year of Reunions, there was a meeting of the "First Cousins Club". Now, I'm not real sure about everything that was discussed, because this ole' gal, took a sight seeing tour down to my dad's trailer, got comfy with some blankets and a pillow and fell asleep on the front porch. (and NO, I don't feel guilty about this...it felt GOOD...lol) But I did miss out on some good conversation I was told.

Gloria Nell was telling me about some things later that day that they had talked about, and then we started thinking, maybe it was time to "resurrect" the Tattler...but a bit different...maybe online, instead of paper, and with just updated family news that everyone would like to know. We really felt like this might be a good way to keep family informed on what's going on, etc.

I know some of our family members don't have access to the internet, but we were hoping for those that don't, then maybe they could sweet-talk someone close to them that does have internet access to print them copies, or let them in on our secrets.

I believe Claudia has run across some new-found "Alexander" relatives that we thought might also be interested in knowing a bit of what's going on with our side also...I mean think about it...MAYBE...we aren't the ONLY family that truly has "fallen off the turnip truck one too many times". Maybe there are MORE of US! Oh geez...I just scared myself with that thought...oh well.

Sooooo...this is our thinking...(now remember, our light bulbs sometimes are kind of dim...so be gentle with us...) I'm going to "try" to figure out how to do this blog, and with the help of some others, who don't know they're gonna help as of this writing, but will soon...we're going to try to keep you as updated to the latest info we know on everyone that we can. So we'll need help from all of you out there in Johnson Land also...if you know of any kind of information you think the family would find interesting, PLEASE...let me know via email, so i can get it posted ASAP. My email address is CEvans1004@aol.com.

Trial run

2008-05-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Testing...testing...1, 2, 3...

Johnson Tattler v.2.0

August Tattler

Christine Cooper-Gloria Nell's Daughter

Stupid blanket...

Aunt Verne...update

First Edition -- Johnson Tattler

Aunt Verne Update

We're getting closer...

Aunt Verne Update

News...Tattler Resurrection???

Johnson Reunion Account Upate...Danny Yount

Aunt Mary Nell Update...3-31-09

Aunt Mary Nell Update...

Mary Ellen and Guy's Newest Grandson...

Guy Update...

Guy Update...

Guy Update...

Update on Guy...

Mary Ellen Surgery Update...

Whoo-hoo...Good News!

Phil's Health...

Ricky ... Brenda's hubby

Aunt Patty Update...

It's SNOWING... In HOUSTON!

Geraldine Update from Danny*Diane

Update on Geraldine

Prayer Request-Pam Pitre & Family

News about Hollis and Wallace...

Aunt Vickie Update...

Planning Weekend--Aunt Vickie

October Planning Meeting

Sabine Pass

Sabine Pass/Hurricake Ike/Weslayan Class Mission Trip

Sabine Pass Disaster Relief Mission

Galveston-Crystal Beach weblinks

Hurricane Ike Updates...

Hurricane Ike Updates...Debbie/Clyde

Hurricane Ike Link

Hurricane Ike Updates

Congrats.... to Salvador Vazquez M. D.

Gustav Damage Update--Claudia

Gustav Damage Update--9/7/08

Hurricane Gustav Update...

Hurricane Gustav Damage Information...

Evacuation News...

News from Mary Ellen ...

Alexander Family Reunion--Nov. 2008

We have some new Texans !

Mary Ellen's Get Well View !

News from Mary Ellen!

Finally feeling rested and ready to go again...lol!

UM Army

Aunt Verne

Michael's Truck

Michael's Truck

Margie/Randy Garrett

Medical Update--Mary Ellen Dussouy

Longstreet High School Reunion News !

Prayer Concern--Aunt Verne

Phil's Surprise !

Posting pictures to the blog...

Correction-Monies Total-Reunion 2008

Cary Medical Update

Congratulations...Crystal Dussouy !

Mary Ellen/Aunt Patty Medical Updates

Alexander Reunion 2008--November 1, 2008

More 2008 Reunion News

Reunion 2008 News

First Cousins Club

Oops...forgive me!

Johnson Reunion News **May 5, 2008**

Trial run

Johnson Reunion News May 5, 2008