Life is made of .......

The Winner is.....

2009-09-23T20:25:00.004-05:00

The winner is....Linda of Linda's Patchwork Quilt!
And I didn't even need to use random.org for this giveaway.

Congratulations Linda, I hope you enjoy The Hinsons CD "Favor". Thank you for commenting.

It has been a very hectic week around here. Trying to get things ready for Kyle and his family to move in. We will be leaving tomorrow night headed to Georgia to bring them all home. We are soooo excited!!

We didn't get as much accomplished as we had hoped to in preparation for their arrival. We'll somehow manage though. I sure have realized how old I'm getting. I just can't do things like I use to.

But I'll post more later on about all thats been going on this week. For now, I'm going to retire for the night.

2009-09-19T21:19:00.002-05:00

Has anyone tried the Renuzit Pearl Scents room fresheners?

I purchased the "Pure Breeze" scent a few weeks ago and have fell in love with it. They are not only an attractive addition to a room, they smell wonderful.

The "Pure Breeze" color also goes along with my Bath & Body Works Foam Soap which I also love. This scent is "Dancing Waters" which is described as "reminiscent of cool water flowing through a field of flowers, the fresh scent of clear, sparkling waters has been enhanced by master perfumers with notes of water lily, Asian pear drops, crushed basil leaves and white musk". In other words its a "clean" smell.

I currently have the "Wild Honeysuckle" at my kitchen sink. Since I was a little girl I have loved the smell of honeysuckle, so this is definitely a favorite of mine.

Since it is smelling so good around my house I think I'll have a giveway.

Several weeks ago I ordered the latest CD of The Hinsons which is "FAVOR". I purchased this CD because of the song "The Potter's Wheel"(.....well...and because I like The Hinsons). The words of this song are so meaningful to me. I am different today than I was before because of His grace! I desire to be molded as clay by Him and to be all that He wants me to be.

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

Anyways...I had received the CD about 3 weeks ago. However, about a week ago I received another "FAVOR" CD. I was a little puzzled really. So I got on-line and emailed their Office Manager, Bobby Wheeling and explained what had happened. He replied and thanked me for being honest and told me to give it to someone that I thought it might bless.

Well who better than the blogging community? Yay!!!

So if you will leave a comment and tell me how you "saw God today". I will use random.org to select the winner. I am going to accept comments for this drawing from now until Wednesday, September 23rd at 8:00 pm.

I've only recently gotten back to blogging so I don't have many (ok, I have zilch) commentors, so please let your friends know so I will at least have more than two people to select from.

Have a Blessed Day!

Reminders

2009-09-17T11:48:00.005-05:00

Last year I bought me a Blackberry cell phone.

I can't tell you how much I have come to rely on the "Calendar" feature of this phone. After all I'm over 50 and I have a tendency to forget things. So I am constantly making myself "reminders", as I call them, on my phone. I use this to remind myself to make certain phone calls, when a doctors appt. is, when to pay certain bills, oil change appointments, etc.

I have almost always had my phone set to vibrate rather than have a ringtone. Jim sometimes gets a little aggravated because I do receive a lot of texts and to him it is always when he has asked me to sit down and watch a TV show with him, or we are eating, or having a conversation, etc. But a lot of the time it vibrates because of a reminder.

He called me this morning and in such a cute way he said "I had a reminder just come up on my phone (which he doesn't cause he barely knows how to retrieve a text) and it was to remind me to call you and tell you that I Love You". (not that he has to remind hisself to do that, he tells me that all the time) Awwww. Isn't that just so sweet....or as Chondra Pierce would say "isn't he just precious".

They've Closed!

2009-09-14T21:50:00.003-05:00

The house closing went well today. It's really official now.

Kyle has been busy today scheduling a U-Haul truck, packing some more, taking care of utilities, etc.

Kyle has worked for this company for about 6 years this time. He also worked for them before during the summers before Leslie and him got married. It's a nationwide company that does Commercial Heat and Air.

So Kyle gave his two-week notice today . When he spoke to David, the Vice-President over the location he is at, he inquired as to what Kyle was going to do. Kyle exlained that he had sold his home and was returning back to Arkansas where his family lived. David told Kyle how he really hated to lose him, that he had been there a long time, and talked about how he was in their system and everything. He asked Kyle "don't we have some places there, like Little Rock or somewhere?" Kyle told him Little Rock was several hours away. But he went on to say that he hadn't really known the chain of command concerning transferring so he had already called another location but was told they weren't hiring. David then said "let me pass the word down and see if we can't find you a job there, then we can keep you in our system".

This would truly be a God-send for them. They wouldn't lose any of their insurance benefits, etc. Leslie is a diabetic and using an insulin pump. Not to mention having two young children under the age of 5. Insurance is important.

So please be in prayer regarding this job opportunity. As I mentioned before we totally feel this has been the Lord's will and we are trusting in Him knowing then everything will work out for the best. I might also add that if this door closes we know another will open. It is God's plan that they desire, not theirs.

Answered Prayers

2009-09-10T10:30:00.001-05:00

I cannot tell you how excited I am.

Kyle and Leslie sold their house!!!!!!
(In case your wondering, that is not there house)

Thank you Jesus for an answered prayer!

Ok, maybe you do know just how excited I am.

They are suppose to close on Monday and they will need to vacate by the end of the month. We all have a lot of work ahead. They will be living in a house here on the farm. However, this house is not livable as it is. It's really a newly constructed house but it has never been completely finished. So we are going to revert our den back into an apartment again and they will stay there for a month or so.

Meanwhile Leslie and him are readily packing, having a yard sale and giving stuff away. We have to get the den emptied out which basically requires moving the TV in our living room and store the rest of the den furniture. Then we need to make room in our old music studio for some of their furniture.

This may sound rather simple. However, currently we have stored some of the theater seats, sound equipment, curtains, etc. in the studio. Not to mention the accumulation of household items that were already stored in there.

Believe me, this is not going to be an easy task. I'm up for volunteers!!

Oh I'm just so happy I could cry!!

As Paul Overstreet sings -

God is good all the time
He put a song of praise
In this heart of mine
God is good all the time
Through the darkest night
His light will shine
God is good
God is good all the time

Trusting in Him

2009-09-09T17:40:00.003-05:00

This morning I received a phone call from my daughter-in-law, Leslie. I could tell from her voice that while she was excited, she also had apprehension, fears and anxiety.

You see about a year and half ago Kyle and Leslie had put their home up for sale. During that time there were several interested prospects but they never materialized. So after almost a year of disappointment they took the sign down.

She proceeded to tell me they had put the "For Sale" sign back out yesterday. It was her neighbor that had come over and was inquiring about it. He mentioned that his dad was going to buy him a place and wanted to look at theirs. He further explained that they had been looking for a while and couldn't find exactly what they were wanting or they were too expensive. He then spoke to his dad and the dad was going to come look at it tomorrow morning. This is the reason for her feelings of apprehension. Trying not to get her hopes up but wanting it to sell.

Please be in prayer concerning the sale of their home. They have been wanting to move back here for a while now. I know they have been praying about it and trying to follow the Lord' will. Also being accepting of the fact that it may be His will for them to remain where they are.

Feeling His Presence

2009-09-08T18:27:00.003-05:00

I can't really explain how I have felt recently, other than to say I feel the Lord is in it. How it is that during one of life's storms you can feel the very essence of who He is. More so probably than when your on the mountain.

You see, just a couple of days ago I "happened" across Angie Smith' blog, Bring The Rain. (Which if you haven't read you need to....from the beginning.) I was overcome with her honesty, openness, strength, weakness, courage, and fear. Her display of compassion for others amidst her own pain was humbling. She conveys not only the deep love for her children, husband and family, but first and foremost her Savior and His will in her life.

I'm not exaggerating when I say I spent most of the weekend reading her story. I was so touched by her words and felt the very presence of God among them. It reminded me that He has not forsaken me even though it may seem that way at times.

We have several acres here that we keep mowed. I enjoy this time on the tractor for a couple of different reasons. I always have my iPod that I listen to so it is a stress reliever for me. The other is it is an opportunity of alone time that I can talk to the Lord. Either way I always get a blessing.

The other day as I was mowing I was thinking of Angie and contemplating the situation at hand. I was listening to Leann Rimes version of "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow". I had probably repeated this song about 20 times already and was reminding myself that I DO know who holds tomorrow and that I need to trust Him. Which, if you are a Christian, isn't always an easy thing to do, as we want to be sure he hears our two cents worth. But as before I come to the point that I know there is absolutely nothing I can do. Except trust in Him completely. That I have no control over this or that, but He does. And knowing that if I trust Him it will all be for the good.

So as I am mowing I look over to this section where I can't really get to and is mostly weeds. When I realize that right there in the midst of the weeds is this:

Now it appears to me that this may also be a weed, but does this bloom not have a beautiful shade of purple? And that while the stem may be a weed there is beauty at the end of it.

My situation may feel like a bunch of weeds has penetrated my life, but at the end it will flourish into a beautiful bloom. Like a rose on the stem of thorns.

I may have cried many a tear on the tractor seat that day, but I came home feeling the Lord had just enveloped His arms around me.

What a learning experience!

2009-08-30T15:22:00.001-05:00

Back in the winter we had a stray calico cat that suddenly appeared around the theater. It birthed about 4 or 5 little kittens among a pile of insulation that we had stacked inside. Unfortunately most of them didn't make it within the first few hours. But there was a solid black one that was moving around but the momma wouldn't let you get close to it. The next thing we knew they were gone and we didn't see her again.

Then about 3 weeks ago I saw what I thought was this same calico cat back at the theater. I kind of ran her off because I didn't want her getting inside for fear she might have another litter of kittens and we might not be able to find her very well.

Well a couple of days ago I was at the back of the theater turning on the lights so some people could look around. Then I could faintly hear a little kitten which sounded like it was under the floor area. (This particular part of the theater is a few feet off of the ground so you can easily get underneath it from the outside).

The sad thing is I discovered the momma cat in the backyard of the theater about 4 or 5 days before and it was not alive. Apparently some other animal had gotten to it. So when I was finished talking with those people I knew I had to go find that kitten because I was sure it hadn't eaten in at least those 4 or 5 days since its momma got killed.

I finally found her out in the dusty parking lot area. I got an old rag and wrapped her up and took her to the house.

Isn't she cute. She was only about 4-5" long.
Her eyes were already open.

Now while we do have two cats I did not want another one. Living out in the rural area we are all the time getting stray cats, especially since our cats have food outside. If I kept them all we would have waaaayyyy too many. (Ok, I admit I did name her Miss Kitty. But only so I didn't have to keep calling her "kitten". )

But I could not stand the thought of letting this little kitten just starve itself. We tried to feed it with a small syringe that we had. It didn't seem like it ate much though. Then a neighbor had a little bottle so we tried that too.

We continued with this every few hours. But I just didn't feel like she was getting enough.

Sunday morning I decided to go to our local Petco store and buy some milk supplement in hopes that she would do better.

(I also did not know that there was a reason for all that licking that a momma cat does to her kittens. That is until I read on the milk container that you are suppose to burp the kitten and rub its back (in lieu of the momma licking it) to help with it's digestive system. Nor did I know we were going to have to.....you know.....a.....stimulate it so it could use the bathroom.

I was rather proud of Lonny when he wet a rag and was just.....in a nurturing way.....without much thought.....going to do just that. (Then when it started working I almost rolled on the floor hysterically when he started to gag like he was going to throw up).

That was hilarious!

Anyway, after a few days and not feeling at all sure that we were accomplishing anything I called our local Humane Society and told them of our situation. They gladly offered to let me bring Miss Kitty to them.

I felt so much better knowing Miss Kitty was going to be in more capable hands. When we delivered her the lady told me they had a momma cat that might accept her. So they gathered her up and took her to the back. She returned with good news that the momma and Miss Kitty were taken with each other.

Yes....a happy ending! ......................and.............a learning experience!

This seems like a good time to show you our other cats.

This is Scooter.

Isn't it amazing how she just voluntarily
plops in her carrier so you don't have to
use force to get her in there.

Except it was the other cat, Tigger, that needed to go to the vet.

Yes these are some big cats. They each weigh about 16 lbs.

Yeah, the kids are visiting!!

2009-08-17T20:15:00.025-05:00

Raylynne has been helping her PawPaw unload the
semi-trailer of theater seats.

We are all heading out to Casa Maya (Mexican) for supper. Are you seeing a pattern with our choice of restaurants?

Just pick up a camera and she's ready!

Kialey is like "do they not know I can't reach that thing".

Lisa is looking frantic.......and Kyle looks like he is
up to something.

If I only knew what she was thinking.

PawPaw's little girl.

AND

Kialey had her 1st Birthday!!

Kialey Caprie
Aug 22, 2008

(Sister wanted to buy her a special cake - yellow one on the right)

What's going on?

Hmmmm....this looks like fun!

Will I get in trouble if I stick my finger in this?

Here I go....!!

Big sister is going to help
(My goodness, look at the grip she's got on her)

This is fun!

Ok, I think I can do it myself now!

Yep....I got it now!

Ok, clothes off, washed up, now presents!!! Yeah!

It looks like she is lovin' on Ethan but I'm not too sure
she isn't fixin' to bite him!

I guess they are just checking each other out.

I almost got them to sit still long enough to get a picture of all of them together.

Cody made it back in time to say goodbye.

And then they were gone...

Short but Sweet.

2009-08-15T08:10:00.005-05:00

Kyle and his family are on their way from Georgia. We are actually just a stopping point for them on their way to Illinois. His sister and her family is flying in from the state of Washington so they will all be staying at his dad's.

I am still thrilled even if it is just an overnight stay. Cause they will be back the middle of the week and will then be staying for a few days.

Within a few hours after take-off Kialey was ready for a nap.

Then Kyle texted me and said Leslie was driving the
first shift and send me this picture saying "I'm scared!!" .

But needless to say they made it here safe and sound. Thank you Jesus.

It was short....but sweet. They got headed back out again.

Apparently this is a normal position for her when she sleeps in the car seat.

I bet she could take up a lot of room in the bed!!

In the State of Alabama.....

Ethan is all suited up for his first football game. He is so excited!

Doesn't he make a handsome football player.

Jim's Birthday

2009-07-30T22:10:00.005-05:00

For Jim's birthday we went to El Acapulco for some delicious Mexican cuisine.

This is what he spent most of the time doing.

Looks like Lonny is hanging on his every word.

We are very serious when it comes to food!

Yippee!! Presents!!

In case you are wondering, Paul is an average size guy, it's a child's chair he is sitting in.

Looks like a sentimental card.

I hope he doesn't cry or we'll all be crying.

HAPPY (58th) BIRTHDAY JIM!!

We love you!!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to show you the cake. Look reeeaal hard, it's there.

You see I was trying to tip the cake up by myself so I could take a picture, when all of a sudden the cardboard started to slide. So rather than let the cake fall on the floor I tried to catch it with my right hand. Unfortunately this was the hand I had the camera in. I knew that the camera had slightly landed in the icing because I had to wipe it off of the lens thingy ma jig. However, I didn't notice that when I went to take pictures that thingy ma jig that opens and closes on the lens area, wasn't opening very much. So it only took a fraction of the picture.

Trust me, it was a lovely cake.

He's got charisma!!

2009-07-16T17:00:00.005-05:00

Paul told us that today he and Ethan went to Walmart and while they were there they got something to eat at the Subway. He said at a table fairly close to where they were sitting was a mom and her two little girls. It was apparent that these two little girls were flirting with Ethan and giggling and smiling at him. He would look over at them with his sly, bashful look that he has which makes his dimple come alive. He said this went on for a few minutes and suddenly Paul looked at Ethan right at the time Ethan glanced at them girls and WINKED!!!

In my mind I could see this picture unfolding. I also have no doubt that the sly, dimpled look that he gave those girls worked a little on their heart too.

Because it works when he uses it on me!!!!

Just look at those dimples!

He's Just Trying to Help

2009-07-15T17:08:00.006-05:00

Today I watched Ethan while his dad ran some errands. I was doing some work in my office when he came in and started scribbling on some paper. I have to watch him though cause he likes to scribble then turn around and make a copy of it.

I'm usually aware that he gets a piece of paper out of the copier tray but I have to listen with one ear while I'm working to make sure he doesn't try to copy it too.

Or I could end up with "10" of these!

I caught him fixing to do just that when I said "Ethan, what are you doing?" He said "Gannie, I need to make a copy!" I said "Well what are you making a copy of?" He opened the copier and showed me it was a blank piece of paper.

I caught him the other day doing that too. So I tried to explain to him that he didn't need to make a copy of a blank piece of paper. He kept saying "But Gannie, your almost out of paper". To which I replied "Exactly, so you don't need to make it run through the copier". He just kept insisting and explaining to me that I didn't have much paper.

Then it dawned on me that perhaps he was wanting to make a copy of the blank paper thinking he was actually making me more paper!!!

Bless his little heart! Isn't he just so sweet to help Gannie like that.

Hamming it up!!

2009-07-13T15:24:00.009-05:00

I posted about Raylynne's dance recital here but today I received a couple of pictures from her dance instructor.

These were taken during rehearsals.

She's in the front in the middle.

She's in front.

I told y'all she loves to have her picture taken.
She's a ham...like her Aunt Lisa is was.

Kyle called me earlier and told me that Raylynne has lil' blonde hairs growing on her legs. I didn't remember it starting that young. Oh my word!!

Are my Grandkids talented or what?

2009-07-10T14:42:00.006-05:00

This is what your grandkids can do if you happen to be building a music theater.

Sorry they are so blurry but I took them with my cell
phone and it doesn't do movement well.

Skateboard!!!

This is Ethan, our 6-year-old grandson.
Notice how well protected he is.

The floor is sloped so he just hops on and goes.

You can just dance and twirl around!

Repeat...

2009-06-28T14:23:00.002-05:00

My family loved the cake I made yesterday so much

that they wanted me to make another one today.

They almost ate it before I could take a picture!!

It's a good thing I made two.

Mmmmmm.....good!!

2009-06-27T18:45:00.001-05:00

I have been a regular little Suzy homemaker today.

For my lovely family I fixed steaks on my stove grill.

Along with some Collard Greens and Corn.

I also cooked these Breaded Mushrooms that I had bought, for some reason, a few weeks ago.

I don't even like mushrooms, although I use to eat the breaded ones, years ago. I wasn't sure how well they would go with the steak and vegetables, but I wanted to cook them. So I did.

I also made this cake.

for Strawberry Shortcake.

Doesn't everyone have a metal airplane on their kitchen counter?

The Family Table

2009-06-24T11:47:00.004-05:00

Everytime we have a family gathering we have to turn the rectangle kitchen table the other direction and set up another smaller table next to it just so we can all be together. So I've been sort of shopping around for a new one. I was wanting one that would sit 8 people and I haven't been able to find very many of that kind.......within my budget anyway.

I had noticed one at Sam's a couple of weeks ago though. Before I go any further I have to admit that sometimes when I save up money to buy a particular item and then when I actually go to make the purchase I have a hard time letting go of the money. So I'm not much of an impulsive buyer. That's why when I saw this particular table at Sam's I didn't go ahead and buy it. But when I returned and it was still there and I looked it over real good I decided I would go ahead and get it.

Here it is....one of those counter-top height tables:

It has the leaf in it that folds up inside of the table itself. No more storing the leaf under my bed!

Paul assembled it for me. He said the chairs were very solid. They required like 6 bolts plus they had about 3 already in them. I know they are heavy. It really seems to be made very well.

Because it is a square table as opposed to rectangle it has a larger span across. So I have to work my way around it when I am wiping up after meals. I can't just reach across and wipe from one position.

I love this table. I love sitting at it and I love the way it looks. I'm very happy with my purchase.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T21:02:00.001-05:00

It's Father's Day!!

I did get Lisa's birthday cake iced and we combined Father's Day and her birthday into one celebration.

Ethan is always eager to help!

Reading his card from Ethan and Cody.

Another airplane...at least this one is smaller!!

"World's Greatest Dad"

We love you!!

Happy Birthday again!!!!!

2009-06-20T18:15:00.006-05:00

Although we celebrated Lonny's birthday yesterday, he also shares that day with his sister, Lisa (2 yrs difference) and a cousin Jonathan (3 years and 10 minutes difference...to be exact). Interesting don't you think?

We were gong to have a little party for Lisa today because her hubby, Danny had to work yesterday. Things didn't exactly work out as planned but she did manage to get her presents....thats really all she cares about anyway...LOL!!!

Ethan is going to "help" her (after all she is 35 now).

He insisted she close her eyes...you know in case she can see through the paper and all!!

Woo Hoo!! A teacup and saucer, with flowers and the month of June on it.

Surprisingly we found this at a yard sale just in time for her birthday.

It was left in my bag and I figured she had forgotten about it so I thought

it would be a great gift for Ethan to give her.

Oh, what can it be????

She loved it!!! Oh I'm so glad. It was one of those gifts

your just a little unsure about.

Is she going to like this one?

She looks a "little" excited about it, don't you think?!!

I did make her a birthday cake, but we went flea marketing and I didn't get a chance to put icing on it and by the time we got back she had to leave because her and Danny were going out for supper.

I Finally Did It

2009-06-19T21:45:00.000-05:00

I finally did it....I broke down and bought some new silverware. Now I know this may not sound like a big deal to some people but to me it was a long over due task that is now completed.

You see, back when I was in grade school my grandma always shopped at Kroger's. Well remember how they sometimes have those deals when you buy groceries you can purchase dishes, or pans,.......or silverware at a discount price. Well my grandma bought me a whole set of this English Garden china.

and a complete set of silverware.

Now this silverware has been my everyday silverware ~~for over 30 years~~ through the years. Naturally a few pieces ~~got used as screwdrivers~~ disappeared along the way. I had inherited my mom's silverware, and had also gotten some inexpensive pieces till I had nothing but a collage of mismatched silverware. I really wanted some new but I just hated to spend that much money for a good set.

Back at Christmas I had received a gift card from Kohl's, and then recently I got a 20% off coupon at Kohl's. The coupon was about to expire so I headed to Kohl's to go shopping.

Usually I don't have any trouble finding something there to buy, but this particular day I wasn't really in the mood to shop and didn't have anything specific I was looking for. I managed to make my way over to the kitchen section (one of my favorite spots) and I came across their silverware. I thought "this would be a great time to get some new silverware."

I was able to find a style that I liked,

very simple pattern, nothing fancy for everyday.

What a great way to make use of my gift card and coupon!

However, this posed another problem. Now I had to make the switch.

Well anyone with OCD knows you can't just take out one set of silverware and insert the new...right? Also the silverware tray I was using was one that had belonged to my mom. So I purchased a new one as well as some drawer organizers. I was on my way to getting the kitchen drawers cleaned out and organized.

So what once held this

and this....

some of this....

(Did y'all notice the bowl with the cake mix in it and the box covering it up?
That was the cake I was making for Lonny' birthday. Yes in the midst of
preparing for his birthday, I decided to clean out the kitchen drawers.
Can I multi-task or what?)

and more of this.

Now looks like this.....

and this...

and finally this..

I know.... I said I bought a new silverware tray, but it wouldn't fit in my drawer, so I had to go back to using the other one. There's nothing wrong with it except that it is yellow. Not that I don't like yellow, but....well....you know.

Now this picture is some of the items I threw away. First of all the bag of farm theme cake decorations is, I think, from Kyle's birthday cake back when he was young. He turned 30 in May, I think it's time to get rid of it!

That tube of yellow icing was so hard you would probably break the countertop if you hit it against it. Time for it to go!!

The two brown bag tie thingys is for those oven bags. How I ended up with extra ties I have no idea. Doesn't everybody keep extra water bottle lids around just in case you lose one...and the pickle jar thing? (it's for you to hold and pull up so the pickles come up out of the jar and it's easier to get one). Was I thinking I would dump all the pickles out of a jar, insert this thing, and then put all the pickles back? Sometimes I wonder about myself, athough it really would be unlike me to do that. Oh, and everybody keeps their empty thermometer cases too, right? A minature Spiderman? Odd lids that I have no idea what they would fit! A box of crayons from one of the restaurants. Now that I can pass on to Ethan. Why do I have a box of the old type fuses, you know, the kind that screw in??? Oh and let's keep that package of flower freshen stuff that you mix in the vase when you get flowers in order to make them last longer. What flowers did I NOT use it in???? Now the scoop is a little more understandable, but I got rid of it too.

Y'all might need to pray for me from time to time!

Yes, I did all this just because of this

and I feel good about it.

Happy Birthday!!

2009-06-19T21:15:00.006-05:00

Lonny at 2 months

Thirty-three years ago today my oldest son, Lonny, was born........so we're having a party!!

Ok, it's more of a get-together with the family, but that's about the extent of our partying.

His birthday wish was for a chocolate cake with NO icing and meatloaf.....with mashed potatoes, of course.

We were talking earlier in the day and got to wondering about something so Lonny went and got his baby book. (Yes Kyle, I know, I didn't complete YOUR baby book like I did Lonny's). Anyway, he was looking at the section for "Second Year Growth" and there was a list of foods he likes to eat. The list consisted of Rice Krispies, eggs, pancakes, macaroni & cheese, cottage cheese, fish, chicken, hamburger, tuna noodle casserole, cookies, apples, bananas and ice cream. He thought it was interesting that what he liked at 2 are still some of his most favorite foods...especially meatloaf and tuna noodle casserole. I don't know why those two are his favorites unless it was because I didn't make them very often! If you ask me it sounds like strange selections as your favorite foods. But that's my baby....

It's not fun blowing out candles without a 6-year-old to help!!

Just enjoying each other's company.

What's a party without balloons!!!

I'm very proud of you, Lonny. You've grown up to be a very responsible, hard-working, loyal, loving and thoughtful man, who loves his nieces and nephews and spoils them rotten.

I love you!

A package came today....

2009-06-15T11:19:00.011-05:00

This was in it....

Remember a few days ago I posted about Lisa's birthday "presents", and this being one of them......

I also wrote about how sweet and helpful Karen at "Home a la mode" was. Now she may package every shipment this way, I don't know. (Although I like to think it was because I was so special.) Nonetheless I was surprised that it was already wrapped and I thought the package stuffing was so cute. What with all the little butterflies and all. Don't you think that is so cute?? Or have I just reached a point in my life that I'm easily entertainment?!

So if your ever in the market for a new apron, tablecloth, bedding, etc., check out "Home a la mode"

Our Final Day!

2009-06-14T15:35:00.009-05:00

We slept in a little later than normal. I was up first, then Jim and Cody got up. We had our showers, gathered our belongings, (well we got dressed and stuff too) took our luggage out to the truck and went back in and enjoyed our continental breakfast. I had a bagel with cream cheese. Jim had some french toast sticks and just raved about how good they were. They were so good he even ate Cody's. He said he doesn't even like French Toast so I'm wondering why he even put them on his plate???

When we arrived at Kyle's and entered the house, Raylynne almost knocked me down trying to get past me so she could get to her PawPaw. I'm telling ya she is crazy about her PawPaw.

Four years ago when we were in Georgia for Raylynne to be born, Jim had gotten acquainted with Mr. Bible from the airport near them. Yesterday PawPaw had mentioned to Raylynne that we would go to the airport to see if Mr. Bible was there and look at the airplanes. See didn't forget it either. Kyle said that last night before she went to bed she told him that we had left and hadn't taken her to the airport. Kyle explained that we would be back and would probably do it then.

Mr. Bible was there and he picked Raylynne up and sat her in the plane.

Then we had to walk around and look at all the different planes. I'm really leaning more towards thinking that was Jim's idea than hers.

Back to the house for some more visiting.

"Isn't she precious"?

(She is trying to cut some teeth on her upper left side).

PawPaw's going to try again.....

Oh I think it might work.....

Nope, not yet PawPaw!

These guys spent what time they had doing this....

and some of this.....

more of this.....

Meanwhile Kialey needed a little......

sleep.

and if you like music, lets do some of this...

and even more of this....

If you haven't noticed these two could play music ALL DAY long if you would let them!!!

Cody started playing the keyboard last year and progressed very well. Through the year he began playing the guitar too and recently he discovered he can play the harmonicas also. I guess he gets that ability from his dad. He too, can pick up most any instrument and play it.

Well after you sleep you need some food, so off to McDonald's we go.

And look who wants PawPaw to carry her.

Raylynne's got her hug-lock on PawPaw!

Don't they make those playgrounds for the little kids???

yes, he is asleep!!

It must have been all that driving yesterday...hmmmmm.

I'm sure he is just resting up so he can drive home!

Meanwhile we got in touch with Lisa and Danny. They were headed home from being at Destin, FL all week.

It was difficult as always, but we finally got through saying our goodbyes about 6:00. On the road again.......

We stopped in Troy, AL at the Santa Fe Cattle Co. Steakhouse.

Cody looks tired. All that music they played today.

After a delicious meal we hopped back in the truck and headed down the road.......listening to music ALL the way! This kid is passionate about music. May the Lord bless him and use him!

I had to pull over a couple of times for some rest, so we didn't make it home until about 10:00 Sunday morning. I even took a nap, which is unheard for me. The rest of the time I just walked around like a zombie. I'm looking forward to a good nights sleep.

Ahhhhhh.......snooze....snooze!

The Big Night!!

2009-06-12T22:14:00.005-05:00

After showering and some sleep, hey, we're ready to go again!!

While we were at the hotel "Daddy" made it home.

Kialey is starting to loosen up a little.

By the time we went to get some lunch and came back it was time for Raylynne to get her hair and makeup done for the recital.

They had to have their hair in ringlets and Ray's hair is real fine, so Leslie had to use about 3 different gels and goops and plaster it with hairspray.

They didn't allow flash pictures to be taken during the recital, but Leslie got this one during rehearsal one day.

Raylynne loves ladybugs, so she was so thrilled when she found out one of her dances included a ladybug costume.

This routine was "Mary Had A Little Lamb". They all had these little stuffed white lambs they carried and hugged. This picture was actually taken after the recital but she had to get re-dressed for an award portion of the program, so Leslie got this picture then.

They have a more experienced teen that does the routine along with them. Although Ray looks rather petrified, she wasn't the least bit nervous and she stayed focused on the teen instructor.

Well I have to admit the whole thing just brought tears to my eyes. She was so cute. Kyle says she loooves to sit and watch the older girls when they do their routines. She is just mesmerized.

She got done with her two routines about 9:15. But they found out then that she had to stay for the award portion. So we went on to the hotel for some good ole sleep.

Georgia....Georgia.....

2009-06-12T13:26:00.003-05:00

We left home about 7 pm Thursday evening. Arrived at Kyle's about 7:30 am. We did have to pull over for about an hour and a half for some sleep though. Kyle was having to work til about 2 pm. So we visited with Leslie and the girls for a short time.....well I visited anyway, looks like they napped.

and I'm the one that drove over 9 hours!!!!! Cody drove the last 3 hours

(but I admit they didn't necessarily sleep on the way down....you know, the good kind of sleep anyway.....except when I pulled over.)

Kialey' not sure what to think of everybody. I was there when she was born and a month later when she was in the hospital. But other than that we have only seen them once and she was only 4 months old then.

Oh, Cody is making progress!!

As Chonda Pierce would say, "Isn't she just precious"?

Meanwhile, Raylynne' isn't hesitating.....she has done crawled up in PawPaw's lap and has him reading to her. (Believe me, I think the whole library appeared before we left! Ha!)

PawPaw decides to give it a try.....

Well that didn't work!

So we decided we would get some breakfast on the way to our hotel. Raylynne wanted to go too, cause she loooooves her PawPaw.

She appears to be hungry....

Then she decided it needed a little pepper.

Only that wasn't enough....so she added a little more.

Pawpaw tried to convince her she already had entirely too much.

But I guess it was to her liking.......

After we dropped Raylynne off at the house we went on to check-in at the hotel.....and get some long awaited sleep before the recital tonight!!

Shhhhh......it's a birthday surprise!

2009-06-10T13:09:00.014-05:00

I noticed when we were shopping at flea markets one day Lisa was eyeing some of the vintage aprons. So when I saw this in my July Country Living magazine I thought it would be the perfect gift for her.

Isn't this adorable!

It's from

Since I had a question I just gave them a call and Karen was so nice and very helpful.

They also have fabric, craft items, bedding, hankies, totes and many other items.

I'm looking forward to receiving this package.

~~~~~~~~

Remember this flea market find a few weeks ago?

I also got her this to set on her newly purchased desk!

Shhhhh.....it's a birthday surprise, so don't tell Lisa.

We're Going On A Trip

2009-06-10T09:55:00.007-05:00

I wanted to elaborate a little more on this new magazine I subscribe to.

It is published bi-monthly and is chocked full of shopping information. Apparently it is a division of "Consumer Reports" so it has product buying advice, reviews, tips, how and where to save on products, etc. There is no advertising so every inch is utilized for consumer information.

You can click on the image and it will take you to their website. You can then see some of the articles that have been published.

If your all for saving money, learning about a product before you purchase it, or get some useful tips, you may want to purchase this magazine for yourself.

Tomorrow I will be working until 1:00 then in the evening we are leaving out for Georgia. Our 4 year-old granddaughter, Raylynne, is having her first dance recital.

It's going to be a turn-around trip. Those are the hardest. It's a 12 hour drive and we don't usually stop unless we just have to pull over for some quick sleep. We will get a little visiting in, see the recital, visit a little more, and head home again. It's still always worth it though no matter how little time you have to see your loved ones.

Such A Good Wife Am I....

2009-06-09T08:23:00.013-05:00

I got my husband one of these. (Who am I kidding, I'll be the one to use it.)

I don't drink coffee so I guess it really never occurred to me to get one before. Then I read in my newest magazine "Shop Smart"

that they recommend this coffee grinder, the Mr. Coffee Model IDS77, and for less than $20. I always thought they were more expensive than that. Like I said I'm not altogether up on coffee things.

So I bought one....... along with

this.

He was so impressed with the fact that I did something so special just for him.

Ha! (Trust me....he is very spoiled.)

Although I wasn't sure if he would like it or not, he thought it was very delicious. He does love a good cup of coffee but he's not into the different flavors and such. I was worried it would be too strong coming from freshly ground beans. It was a hit!

This gadget was very simple to use. You put in some beans and there is a button on the lid that you push and it grinds it in just a few seconds.

Jim also loves these.

1.5 g fat

Lonny, my oldest son, had bought some of these several weeks ago and asked if Jim would want them. He said they were too rich for him. Jim absolutely loves these. He usually eats 2 if not 3 at a time. (and no he doesn't have a fat cell on his body!! It's disgusting). They really are very good. The ice cream is creamy and smooth. It doesn't taste at all like something dietary.

I even picked up some of the ice cream cones.

Very delicious as well. And look folks, all of these products are low fat!

Here is Ethan, doing what he loves to do most......hitting golf balls into the pond!

My work is done!

Then we decided to watch the video "Drumline". If it has anything to do with music, he will probably like it. (Hmmm....wonder where he gets that from). His uncle plays drums and his Grandpa sings in a gospel group, and his dad, Aunt Lisa, Bubby and PawPaw are all active in music.

Everything was going good.....until he climbed in my lap.....then

it was all over!

Our Treasure Hunts

2009-06-08T19:01:00.012-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Judy Gail asked me if I would like to go to some yard sales with her. I love to go to flea markets and such so of course I said yes. About mid-morning I discovered this at a yard sale.

When I walked up the carport I was certain it would have a SOLD sign on it. But I looked and couldn't even find a price tag for it. Meanwhile I thinking my daughter, Lisa, might like to have this. So I'm trying to text her and take pictures well EVERYONE that came was looking at it. I was so afraid someone would buy it before I got an answer from Lisa. This one lady asked someone how much it was and the lady told her it was priced in the drawer and she had $130 on it, but would take $100. I was determined then I would buy it myself if Lisa didn't answer me. But she did and she definitely wanted it.

It was in excellent shape, the drawers worked great, the part inside with all the compartments looked great too.

We were pleased.

Lisa decided to meet up with us and continue on for the hunt of treasures. She spotted this before I even made it into the building

$30

(This isn't the exact one she bought because I can't find that picture. The seat on hers was more of a reddish/pink). But this is the style of hers. It turned out to belong to a friend of ours grandmother. So that makes it more special.

After that purchase we went around the corner to a flea market and we found these. A brand new set of Rachel Ray pans.....for $60. They were still in their wrapping, but instead of being a 10-piece set, there were only 8 items. My set was missing a lid for the larger saucepan. Lisa didn't have the smaller skillet. But other than that they are great.

I really like the fact that the handles don't get hot. I'm not sure what they are made of.

The next thing she wanted was this....

.....but it wasn't for sale!! Sorry Lisa.

All in a day.....

2009-06-07T22:15:00.006-05:00

What a day!

I woke up this morning with a burst of energy and a desire to accomplish some things. First on my list was I stripped the sheets off of three of the beds, washed them and remade the beds.

While I was washing all those sheets the next thing I wanted to do was this cabinet.

My sister-in-law, Judy Gail, gave it to me a couple of weeks ago. It's in really good shape and I think it may have been a display cabinet or something from a store many years ago.

But the background is a tan and I'm wanting to put some of the teapots I collect in it. I didn't think they would stand out as well with that tannish background,

so I wanted to paint it this color! "Blue Hall" by ColorPlace (Walmart)

First coat.....

hmmmm....I'm not so sure about this.

I also didn't realize it was going to be so difficult to paint. It's hard to paint the top (ceiling) part and with the planks going vertical it was best to paint it with vertical strokes. It's a small enough area that that made it hard to do. Then trying to paint the bottom shelf....there wasn't enough clearance to just run your paint brush back and forth or it would hit the shelf. So I had to go in one direction or the other. Looks like I'm going to have to paint a second coat too!

While I was waiting for that to dry I started cleaning the tv room, vacumned everything there. Moved on to the bathroom. Next is the play room. Fortunately I was doing this before my 6-year-old grandson, Ethan, gets here later today. It seems like I always want to clean house on the day he is coming. What am I thinking??

Ok, I painted a second coat and this is what we have.

It's not quite as bold as it looks in this picture, but I'm still not sure I have the look I was going for.

Meantime, I've continued vacumning the foyer, living room, dining room and kitchen. I've also mopped the kitchen and foyer. Whew!

Look what we bought yesterday.

Fresh canteloupe. My husband cut it up and even brought me a plate....isn't he sweet! It was very good, but I'm really looking forward to cutting into that watermelon in a couple of days.

Jim and his brother, Buck, have decided to cook supper tonight. Hey I'm all for that! So they went to town and bought some of this. (Theres more on the other counter).

Let's see, we have corn on the cob (still in the husk), potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, polka kielbasa, and shrimp.

and......

they are going to cook it in this........

yes, it's a NEW, CLEAN, garbage can. We had some friends in Ohio cook like this for us one time, and it was delicious!

You put some big rocks (I recommend you wash them first) in the bottom of the can, add water, just enough to cover the rocks. Then you stack the food in it beginning with the corn (still in the husks). Then we added the potatoes and carrots, they take longer to cook so we put them closer to the fire. The cabbage was put in next along with the onions and kielbasa.

You make a wood fire with some bricks around it to stand the can on. (I know, your thinking, they are using charcoal, but they decided they should have used wood like was suggested).

Cover, and steam for about 45 minutes to an hour. I gauged it according to how done the potatoes were. We also didn't add the shrimp until about the last 15 minutes.

My grandson said "This is delicious!" and it was. I don't eat shrimp and I'm not that crazy about carrots, so you don't see any on my plate. Boy that kielbasa sure was tender.

Then we topped it off with fresh baked Peach Cobber.

I admit, they bought it frozen!

Now that it's dry I can start filling it.......... Oh honey, I'm going to need to go shopping!!

It turned out a little more suttle than it looks in this picture. Honestly, I don't know if I like it...but I'm not ready to paint it again, so I guess I'll leave it this way....at least for awhile.

The day finally came to an end about 10:00 pm. I'm tired.

My Little Princess

2009-06-05T10:06:00.008-05:00

A couple of weeks ago Lisa and I went to some flea markets and I found this adorable Tiara for $1 that I thought Raylynne would love to have for "dress-up". It's a real tiara and there is only one stone missing and it's not even noticable. Of course she probably wouldn't have cared anyway.

The package arrived yesterday and her momma sent me these pictures.

Isn't she beautiful!! (Ok, the hairdo may need a little work! Ha!)

Along with the Tiara I found some white gloves, and a black clutch sequined purse. Then last week at some yard sales I find another black clutch and a couple of necklaces. I'm telling ya she is dressed "mighty fine".

All this for less than $10. I like to go to Claire's Boutique too cause they have a clearance section of jewelry and things you can get 10 for $10. Ten jewelry items to a little girl is a lot. She'll wear everything at one time too.

Sometimes she lets PawPaw play too.

2009-06-03T15:38:00.006-05:00

I'm not the seamstress that Barb at "A New Chelsea Morning" is but I made a few of these today for my husband.

This post is concerning a rather private and delicate subject.

My mom use to make these for my dad. You make a pouch and put Alum (a spice) in it. They carry it in their pocket and it prevents them from getting galled (never had to know the spelling of that before)...galled - to make sore by rubbing; chafe severely.

This really works too. So if your husband, or anyone for that matter, works in a job that they sweat, this will really help. I guess the alum must absorb the moisture and prevents the chafing.

And aren't those little froggies so cute!

They Arrived!

2009-05-29T14:40:00.000-05:00

Look what arrived at my house!!

Another set of burp cloths from Barb at "A New Chelsea Morning". When I need a baby gift my first thought is always Barb and her "A Chelsea Mornings Little Shoppe". I love giving these burp cloths because I know she makes each of these as if they would be used for her own grandkids. She wraps them up so nice and pretty too. I consider Barb a friend (if you read her blog, you do too) and who wouldn't want to give a gift made by a friend.

So next time you need a gift hop on over to "A Chelsea Mornings Little Shoppe" . She has different styles and colors of burp cloths as well as sock monkeys and Christmas ornaments.

Still updating....

2009-05-10T12:12:00.001-05:00

As you can see, this is how much is done in January 2009.

This is our 16 year-old grandson, Cody.
Isn't he a handsome young man? He is so excited about this theater, and a very big help to his PawPaw.

This picture was taken in April. I am in the upstairs looking down onto the stage. You can see that steel beam and that is where the front of the balcony will be. It will have a 180 degree balcony on both sides.

It will seat 1200 on the floor and an additional 300 in the balconies.

Now for some fast forward....

Here it is May 1st 2009.

Yeah, some siding.

On May 6th....

Sick Kialey...

2009-02-03T16:00:00.000-06:00

At three weeks old Kialey was taken by ambulance to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, 45minutes from home. After having several spinal taps, and other types of tests they determined that she has staph meningitis. Very rare, especially for an infant. Only 1% of meningitis cases is staph. Still a puzzle as to how she might have gotten it.

They gave her 7 different antibiotics at a time for a week, then did another spinal tap. Decided to give her another round of antibiotics for another week.

That's when Gannie made a trip to Tallahassee to help out.

Leslie was so exhausted.....after all, she had just had a Caeserian, now having to hold Kialey practially every waken moment....and as you can see, most sleeping moments too . Kyle was able to stay the first 2-3 days and help, then he had to return to work, was taking care of Raylynne after work, plus driving to Tallahasse every night . They were both very exhausted. That doesn't even involve the emotional stress they were going through.

It was very difficult for Gannie and PawPaw being so far away too. I wanted to hold this little one so bad.

You can see on her forehead where they had put the IV in first.

Oh yes, Gannie is right where she needs to be.

After a 2nd week of antibiotics, they did another spinal tap. They had given her several of these spinal taps, but the fluid kept having blood in it, so it was not usable. Then they decided to do an MRI in hopes that it would give a definitive answer as to whether she needed to have yet another week of antibiotics.

Let me tell you that MRI was a scary and stressful moment.....for me!! Leslie let me go down with her, but unbeknownst to either of us, they wanted that person to be in there with her during the MRI. Mind you, they have my precious grandbaby all swaddled up her blanket, and they also wrapped a hospital blanket around her in hopes to keep her from moving. They had her head strapped in as well.

Now I have had an MRI before and I know the loud noises that it produces and I'm standing there thinking "this baby is about to jump out of her skin when that noise starts". The technician also instructed me that should she start to have a reaction I would have to immediately get her out of there. That being because she would have to shut things down and I would be the quickest rescue.

Would you believe she never flinched......

Just as we were about to rearrange her she started crying. They weren't quite through testing her, but I realized it is now feeding time and thats probably why she keeps crying. They had me call Leslie and she brought down a bottle. Leslie took over then. After they were finished Kialey' face got extremely red and small bumps appeared on her face. Quite a concern, but the radiologist checked her out decided she was ok.

Finally, after her team of doctors conversed, a decision has been made.......

We get to go home!!

What a precious thing God has given us.

Her First Pedicure.

2009-02-02T13:25:00.000-06:00

On one of the days we were doing all this "waiting" for Kialey to arrive, us girls treated ourselves to a pedicure.

Raylynne sat on my lap while we had our feet soakin'. After about 10-15 minutes she decided she wanted to sit on mommy' lap. Unfortunately she didn't have much of a lap at that time, being 9 months pregnant. But Ray had a great time puttin' her feet in the water.

We waited till Kyle got home from work so he could go with us. Not knowing for sure how well Raylynne (she's 3) would handle having to be still and everything, so he went along to help take care of her in case she got antsy.

Raylynne picked out her own polish, which was pink, of course. That's her favorite color. And she even helped mommy by picking out her color.....blue!

Kyle is holding her feet up while she gets them painted. She really was very good. She even sat for a long time while they had her feet under the dryer thing.

They looked so cute! They even put glitter stuff over the polish

I so wish Kyle could have videoed this whole thing. She was so adorable....even sat with her hands held up, like they were drying, and crossed her legs real feminine-like.

I'm so thankful to have been a part of this day! I wonder if she'll remember it when she gets older.

Waiting....waiting....and more waiting.

2009-02-01T11:31:00.001-06:00

On August 22, 2008

Raylynne was waiting for this......

her new sister, Kialey Caprie.

I'm telling ya this girl had some chubby cheeks.

But isn't she adorable!

I went to Georgia on August 7th because we thought they were going to induce labor over the weekend. However they didn't so I waited, and waited, and waited some more. Finally, the day arrived, and it was so worth waiting for.

Winter Storm

2009-01-29T11:12:00.003-06:00

Tuesday night the weather was getting bad with the ice and snow. We opened our windows and stuck our heads out and you could hear the trees snapping and falling all throughout the woods on the farm and even across the street. Fortunately we don't have any large trees close enough to our house. You can see in the woods area many of the tree tops have snapped and fallen and there is bare tree showing. We have lost several of the Bradford Pear trees that lined our driveway.

We have been so blessed during this ice storm. While so many homes and businesses are without power, we have never lost ours. Our daughters home has been off for 2 days. My father-in-law also hasn't had power for 2 days but he has a generator which he can keep his fridge going, plus they have gas heat so they are staying warm. My mother-in-law lives in senior citizen apartments and they have no power. She has been staying with us along with a nephew and his wife and daughter. I was suppose to go into work today but we have no power there either.

The crews are working diligently to restore power as fast as they can. They deserve to be praised for their continuing efforts. I know they are weary.

These are some pictures I took yesterday morning.

Ethan's Birthday

2009-01-26T09:28:00.000-06:00

This week we celebrated Ethan' 6th Birthday!!!

He has since informed me that he is not a baby anymore, he's a little boy. I think I have convinced him that he will always be my "baby".

2008 Update

2009-01-15T21:22:00.001-06:00

Well I can't believe I totally missed posting a single blog during the 2008 year!! I will try to bring you up-to-date. I am over 50 so my memory fails me.....a lot!

Sometime in April or so my husband and I started building a music theater here on the farm. I know your wondering why people would want to drive way out in the country to go to a theater, but our farm isn't really a farm anymore, we just keep referring to it as that cause its been in the family for so long. It has become rather populated all around us except for the acreage we have. It is located about 2 miles outside of the city limits. It really is easily accessible and near a major highway.

My husband has been involved in music all his life and this is a dream for him. We want to bring a little of Branson, MO to our area of Arkansas. The theater will have a seating capacity of 1500, including a balcony. We are very excited about this project. It will feature a gospel night, probably on Thursdays and on Saturdays the music will be a mixture of positive country and gospel. Here are a few pictures and I will post more throughout the construction.

It started out with this.

Then we broke ground.

We dug for the footing.

It took long days of extreme heat and over a month to hand-build all the trusses. We had to have 83 trusses that were 70' long. It was quite a job!

Progress going well.

Yes, things were looking good.

Until this......

Hurricane Ike hit northeast Arkansas.

And blew down the second story!

And the winner is.........

2007-11-04T18:19:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Jean from Working Momma 24/7!

Thank you for participating in the Fall Y'all bloggy giveaway hosted by Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer.

You have won the Mary Kay Mint Bliss Pedicure Set.
I know your little tootsies are going to loooovve this!!

This was so much fun and I want to thank Shannon for being such a gracious host.

By the way, if you are interested in purchasing a Mint Bliss Pedicure Set for yourself or as a gift, or any other Mary Kay products you may do so by clicking here. The Mint Bliss is available in my "Last Chance" section and I am discounting them 50% while my supplies last!

Get yours NOW!

Fall Y'all bloggy giveway

2007-11-01T17:47:00.000-05:00

Shannon from Rocks In My Dryer is once again hosting the "Fall Y'all bloggy giveaway" which started Oct 29th. You can find out all the details here.

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday activities you can enjoy treating your tootsies to some special time when you pamper them with this Private Spa Collection Mint Bliss Pedicure Set from Mary Kay. This would also make a great gift!

This set includes a Mint Bliss energizing lotion, a foot scrub, 10 Mint Bliss Fizzies for Feet, a foot file/brush and a pair of toe separators. Plus a pretty bag with minty green accents.

For your chance to win just leave a comment. This giveaway is open to bloggers and non-bloggers, only please make sure I have a link or an email address to contact you, should you be the blessed winner. Sorry I can only mail in the United States.

Comments will be open until 6:00 pm Sunday, November 4th at which time I will do a random drawing.

Fall, Foliage and Ten Minutes from Normal

2007-11-01T15:38:00.001-05:00

Every year I am amazed at the palette of beautiful color that the Lord blesses us with. It's breathtaking!

Yippee! I have finally finished a book!!

I started this book about a year ago. It's not that it wasn't interesting, it's that I had trouble finding the time to read.

"The rule of thumb in any White House is that nobody is indispensable except the president," said The New York Times, "but Karen Hughes has come as close to that description as any recent presidential aide." Karen Hughes has worked beside President George W. Bush since, as she says, "the motorcade was only one car and he was sometimes the one driving it." As counselor to the president, she brought the working mom's perspective to the White House, often asking of President Bush's policies, "What does this mean for the average person?"Yet the move from Texas to Washington was hard on her family, and in a controversial, headline-making decision that reverberated across America, she summoned the courage to say, "Mr. President, I love you, but I need to move my family home to Texas." There, Hughes continues to advise the president, where the kitchen wall calendar marks the State of the Union message side by side with her son's orthodontist appointments."

I wasn't interested in this book because I am not a political person. Rather I was curious about the woman who had strived to acquire such a significant position only to choose a life in Texas, teaching Sunday School, and being with her family.

"Told in Karen Hughes's disarmingly down-to-earth, warm, often funny, and frank voice, the book is a remarkable blend of an ordinary woman's life, with all its compromises and everyday decisions, and a keenly insightful look at American politics and America's forty-third president."

Halloween, Supper, and Hand mixer

2007-10-31T11:50:00.000-05:00

Have you ever tried this?

I may be a little behind the times, but I just discovered this product the other day. My husband is not a picky eater and is happy with anything you would fix for him. But he really liked this and I loved it because it is so simple. Any dish that is quick and simple is great in my book!

Everything you need is in this box. I actually took pictures as I was preparing it, however since the sauce was so white and the seasoning too, it didn't exactly show up very well so it didn't it look as appealing as it tasted. If you like Italian food, and fettucine alfredo is one of them, I think you will like this.

Last year I had to throw away a little "avocado" mixer I had gotten for a wedding present back in 1972. I couldn't believe it had lasted this long. So for Christmas this past year I got a new heavy duty mixer. I didn't realize I was going to miss my other mixer that I was able to keep in the drawer in my kitchen for those smaller mixing tasks. So this is what my son got me for my birthday earlier this month.

From this angle I think it looks like something out of "The Jetson's".

Don't you see the ears (beaters), the eyes and look at that dark hair??

I love days off!

2007-10-26T09:01:00.001-05:00

It is rather chilly here again this morning (50 degrees when I woke up). It is 9:00 am and is still only 52. Another rainy, cloudy day, although the wind isn't blowing as much as it has been this week. Whew! It's still a great day because I have taken the day off!

I am trying to finish up some things around the house so we can complete our living room project. I was off Wednesday too and painted some baseboard and trim, the stair risers and some exterior doors. I have moved a tall storage cabinet and now I have to put all the items back in it. Of course there is laundry to be done as well. I also want to set up a play room.

There are just plenty of things to be done around here and I'm not going to bore you with all of them. I will let you know which ones I do complete, just so you don't think I sat around watching the tv, eating bon bons!

I got the desk moved out of the new playroom and set up the toys in it. I washed 3 loads of laundry. I emptied out a 4-drawer filing cabinet and got it moved into my office. I've got files to move out of one cabinet and put in it. I got the storage cabinet stuff put back in. I have a table in my office that I use for my Mary Kay skin care classes, etc. and it was piled full of stuff and I got it cleared off.

I also managed to make Jim a pot of pinto beans and some cornbread for lunch.....along with a good onion, some tomato and he was happy!

I thought I would share this video someone had sent to me awhile ago.

I think he did an awesome job! I especially liked the little ones hand holding onto the grownups hand.

Music

2007-10-25T21:08:00.001-05:00

As you may know up till a few years ago our family travelled full-time spreading the message of Jesus Christ through country gospel music. So music has been a large part of our lives and we especially enjoy it when we can all get together to sing and play music. I must mention that our normal bass player, Kyle, and his wife, Leslie, who also sings, is not present here because they live in Georgia. So this is the most of our group that you will get together on a moments notice.

Our daughter Lisa has a friend, Regina, who lives in Missouri and has family in Mississippi. She had recently made a trip to Mississippi and was on her way back home and stopped here to visit Lisa and meet the rest of the family. Regina loves to sing, although she prefers more of a jazz style. This time I just sat back and enjoyed the singing.

Seated on the left is my husband Jim, then son Paul, Regina, and Lisa playing bass.

It truly was a night I enjoyed, not all because of the music and fellowship, but meeting Regina too. It was obvious she really loves to sing too!

Danny, Lisa and Flea Markets

2007-10-22T07:29:00.000-05:00

Our daughter, Lisa, and her husband, Danny live in a nearby town and are wanting to move here. So we are converting an area of our home into an apartment for them. As some of you know she has had some medical issues that have escalated these past few months, and most recently her migraines have become very severe. Through the course of this she made several visits to the emergency room, and was finally hospitalized. However, if still wasn't until she was back home again that she got some relief from a 35 day+ migraine. Therefore it would be very difficult for her to keep their home "show" ready when you have migraines such as these. This way they can "stage" their home for showings and she will be near those who love and can care for her, if the need arises. She is a housewife, but he works 12 hour days on a swing shift for a steel manufacturer, so this way she will have people near her all the time.

I mentioned all that to say this. Because they are bringing very minimal furniture there are a few items Lisa would like to find to use here. They are planning to bring the bed they have in their guest room so they were needing a couple of very inexpensive nightstands. Thus began the flea market search for just that. First of all we found this cabinet for $10. It is in rather good shape except that someone has painted it and there is one spot on the top that the veneer has wrinkled. But it is very solid otherwise and I thought a rather interesting piece. They are going to set a small tv on it in their bedroom area.

Sunday we spent the afternoon shopping in the nearby flea markets. Finally the last one we visited had this. It was a $12 find and perfect for a nightstand.

We're both looking forward to more flea market shopping for a few other pieces that they would like to have.

Since it has started getting a little cooler here, we topped the evening off with a nice bowl of home-made chili!

Trust in the Lord with all Thine Heart.....

2007-10-20T18:06:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Today I was mowing on the tractor and I had my 4-1/2 year-old grandson, Ethan, riding with me. He was sitting on my lap and I had my arms wrapped around him so he wouldn't fall or anything. The longer we rode the more relaxed his body become. (Which didn't necessarily make it any easier on his Gannie, but nonetheless he was relaxed). I began to think about how trusting he was of me and how, as adults, we should be as trusting with our heavenly Father. Time after time the Lord shows us how he loves us, protects us, guides us, etc. But some of us have to learn this each and every time.

As he became even more relaxed he began to lean on me more. Do I lean on the Lord like I should?

Finally Ethan collapsed in my arms, laying his head on my chest, and falling asleep. At that moment I thought of how so many times in our life we only collapse in our Saviour' arms after we have exhausted everything we as carnal minds can think of to make our situations better. Again, He has shown us numerous times that He is in control of our lives and we know that His way will far surpass anything we could have imagined. So why can't we Trust in Him with all thine heart, just as he wants us to?

Birthday, mums, kids and giveaways!

2007-10-19T20:31:00.001-05:00

I just remembered I needed to change my profile.....another birthday rolled around!

Between all the rain we have had this week and the sun setting earlier I've gotten behind on my mowing. It already looked like I was baling hay earlier this week, and now we have had more rain. I had spent most all of last Saturday mowing and didn't get half-way done. So it looks like I'm going to be spending this Saturday doing the same.

We planted some mums last weekend as a border on the side of our driveway. I had a couple of yellow ones, some beautiful deep burgundy and a couple of gorgeous magenta color. This is basically the beginning of our landscaping since we built this home in 1999. A friend of mine is going to give me some monkey grass early next week. And we had also planted a couple of shrubs on each side of the garage ramp.

We are awaiting the arrival of our almost 5 year-old grandson, Ethan. They grow up so fast.

My youngest son, Kyle called the other day to inform me of what my 2-1/2 year-old granddaughter did at school.

They live in Georgia so we don't get to see her very often. Everytime she is around us she seems so quite and timid, although not necessarily shy. However to hear her parents she is a handful. Actually on the 2nd day of school she got to be the "Happy Helper" of the day. Well the teacher was asking all the children to sit down and this one little boy "Tucker" (who goes to her grandma's daycare) wouldn't sit down. So she goes over and pushes him into his seat. Needless to say she then got to sit in the "Sad Seat".

Well on Wednesday her and this same boy, "Tucker" (who is a little younger than her but much larger) were evidently fighting over a block. He apparently gets her down and is laying on her. Naturally she can't fight him off so she bites him. Enough to draw blood! Once again she got in trouble....Tucker did too. Kyle said he was going to have to talk to her when he got home that night. He wasn't sure just what he was going to do, after all she was using the only defense she could probably muster up, with him laying on her. I haven't heard yet just how that discipling was handled.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month and 5 Minutes for Mom is giving away this Casio Pink EX-Z75 digital camera. You can get all the details here.

Godtube - Lifehouse

2007-10-19T19:59:00.000-05:00

A nice weekend.

2007-09-10T15:53:00.000-05:00

I had a nice weekend. Friday evening Jim and I picked up our 14 year-old grandson, Cody, for the weekend. First we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant, Cozumel, where I enjoyed cheese dip, chips. refried beans and enchiladas. They both relished the grilled shrimp, along with refried beans, Pico de Gallo and salad fixins.

Then I treated my husband to the movies to see this.

As I've mentioned before, I do not care for westerns. Unfortunately that is my husbands favorite. However, I did enjoy this movie. Naturally Jim had seen the original movie.

Saturday we went to town and bought Jim a new tool box for his truck. I was so frustrated with the other one because it wouldn't stay latched and the lid would constantly come open. I am so glad to be rid of that one.

Then we went to Lowe's to pick up a few items for our project. I haven't mentioned this so far because I had thought we would have been finished by now and could show you pictures. But a few weeks ago I had taken a weeks vacation to redo our foyer/living room/dining room. I will save most of the details for a later post. This weekend though, we removed a VERY HEAVY cast iron wood stove from the living room and installed a fireplace. We had purchased this fireplace 2 or 3 years ago, but decided later not to use it. I am wanting him to build some cabinet/shelves on one wall, so we decided to change out the wood stove (which we never used because all the heat went up the flue) and put in the fireplace instead. Then hopefully he will build around it.

So for now, we're still working on it.

My 100th Post

2007-09-02T09:44:00.000-05:00

This is YOUR lucky day! In honor of tradition for the 100th post, you get to learn 100 things about me that you may not want to know!

1. I was born in Rushville, IL in 1954.

2. Once we lived in a small town called Industry. It was so small it was referred to as "Pinhook". However, I have lived in towns even smaller than that.

3. I originally was going to name my oldest son Travis. A couple of weeks before he was born I suddenly changed it to Lonny. I could never figure out where that came from or why I felt the need to change it. To make life more interesting for him I spelled it with a "y' instead of "ie".

4. I am a natural brunette....real black actually. I should say I "was" a brunette. Now my natural color is gray with a little black. Which is why I'm a blonde!

5. I can't handle being in the heat. My head starts to throb, my face turns red and I get sick to my stomach. Needless to say when it starts getting 82+ I am inside, in the air conditioning. It's so frustrating too because I enjoy mowing and working outside.

6. I am married to the love of my life. The "love of my life" I always wanted, but didn't find until 13-1/2 years ago.

7. I realize I may not know 100 things about myself.

8. As a little girl, I just knew I was destined to grow up and be a well-known singer. The joke was on me! LOL Don't get me wrong, I can sing, it just doesn't sound good.

9. During my senior year I made the headlines of our school newspaper. In preparation of our "homecoming" it was traditional to have a bonfire. Well anyone knows you can't have a good bonfire without "outhouses". Somehow I was ~~volunteered~~ delegated the driver of the truck as we they stole the outhouse. Someday I'll share the rest of the story.

10. My mom was a red-head, well actually a beautiful auburn, just like Lonny.

11. I am an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics.

12. My cousin, Judy, and I both slide our feet out of our socks instead of pulling them off.

13. One of the first times I ever went fishing I caught what seemed like a whole "school" of fish. None of them were much more than 4 inches long. I was so proud of all of them I made my mom take them home. I was thoroughly disappointed when she refused to cook them for supper. So instead I cut the eyeballs out of one. I was only 7 or so. I never really understood why, but I think I was more interested in how they were held in place. You would have thought I'd have been a scientist or something.

14. My first job was working the concession stand at the local theater. I took home $6 a week. I would put $3 worth of gas in the car and that lasted until the next week. Gas was only 32.9 cents a gallon.

15. I was always interested in photography.

16. I have dark brown eyes.

17. Growing up I took ballet, tap, toe, baton, acrobatics and piano lessons.

18. When I was about 11 or 12 I taught myself how to type on an old Royal typewriter that looked a lot like this one.
I'm really serious!

19. I'm right-handed.

20. I love to laugh.

21. I can't knit or crochet.

22. Accounting was a subject that came very natural to me, but I was never very good at math! Go figure!! I guess it was the algebra, trigonometry, and geometry that threw me! Oh and fractions...I hated fractions!!

23. After I graduated from high school my jobs have all been accounting/payroll. Except for about 2 months I worked at the Admiral factory making freezers.

24. My favorite sports to play are volleyball, ping pong, badminton and foosball. I probably could still play volleyball, but I might not be able to move the next day.

25. I drove a 1970 yellow camaro in high school.

26. I've never broken a bone.

27. I don't like liver.

28. My dad was a carpenter by trade and a farmer.

29. In the late 50's my parents built a house in "Pinhook"

and my mom painted it pink. No kidding! See!!

Now mind you this wouldn't be all that strange these days, but in the 50's it was strange enough to get in the local paper. Yep! That's my mom for ya!

30. I can't hardly go outside without my sunglasses on.

31. My uncle played steel guitar for Conway Twitty, before he became famous. (Conway Twitty not my uncle).

32. I love to read, but lack the time.

33. I had one brother, no sisters.

34. I went to work the day after I graduated high school at the age of 17. I quit work for a year when my oldest son was born. I took another year off when my youngest was born. After Jim and I got married I didn't work for nine years.

35. I can barely hear out of my left ear.

36. I've only camped in a tent one time. I prefer the Holiday Inn.

37. Growing up, my grandma always took me on her vacations.

38. My dad drove a taxi in Richmond, CA when he met my mom.

39. I love the South.

40. My husband and family traveled and sang country gospel music for over 10 years.

41. I don't like mosquitos.

42. I made lots of mistakes raising my boys. In spite of it they are good, responsible, caring, hard-working men.

43. I've always enjoyed cleaning house and doing laundry.

44. I've found this post to be very hard. I rarely talk about myself.

45. I have tendencies of being a perfectionist. Not as much as I use to, but it's still there. It's kind of mixed in their with some OCD's too.

46. My grandma was a nurse in a doctor's office until she retired.

47. After my parents married, my dad worked in the coal mines for a while.

48. I have a fear of heights. Not elevators and such. Nor stairs if I have a rail to hold on to. If a high-rise building has windows to the floor, I can't go near the windows for the fear.

49. I remember when The Beatles first came to America.

50. I'm only half-way finished?!?!?!?!?

51. My mom couldn't boil water when she got married. Really...my dad had to teach her. She became a great cook though.

52. I'm glad I grew up in the late 50's, early 60's.

53. In grade school I jammed my index finger playing tether ball on the day of my piano recital. My mom says I was mad because the doctor wouldn't put anything on it and I had to go through with my recital. Have you ever played the piano while having to hold your index finger straight?

54. Everytime we hang up the phone or have to leave each other, my husband and I
say "I love you". Whether it's twice a day or 15!

55. My hands look just like my grandma's.

56. My mom was my best friend.

57. Christmas is my favorite holiday.

58. Daffodils are my favorite flower.

59. I miss my grandkids.

60. I prefer love stories.

61. I do not like science fiction.

62. I'm getting close to the end. You've made it this far!

63. I love music.

64. About a year ago I had to throw away my General Electric hand mixer (avocado) that I received as a wedding present in 1972. It still worked, but it started smoking. It was a sad time for my kids. We had a moment of silence in honor.

65. I've only had a manicure/pedicure one time.

66. I have never liked coffee.

67. I don't know how I survived before computers and internet.

68. I love to have my head massaged.

69. When my parents first married they lived in a tiny camper over a train trussel. Yeah, that was fun when the train came through! Hearing them tell stories I always pictured something like this.

70. My dad was from Illinois, my mom Arkansas and they met in California.

71. I'm the only living person from my immediate family.

72. I love the smell of sauteed onions.

73. Will you still respect me when you finish this list?

74. I remember the first time Elvis appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

75. I love chocolate!!

76. I'm good at spelling.

77. I really love my husband!

78. A friend of my mom's daughter was named after me.

79. I don't like to be called Shirley.

80. Cheryl is of French origin and means "Beloved".

81. Thank goodness for moms! My dad wanted to name me Thelma Irene!

82. I prefer spring and fall to summer and winter.

83. I never liked to sew.

84. My freshman year in high school my dad took my friend and me to the drive-in to see Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

85. I would rather give than receive.

86. I'm bashful, although others will argue that point. But really I am.

87. I love to see sunrises and sunsets.

88. I was on the cover of our high school yearbook.

89. I would never eat chinese food, collard greens, turnip greens, or mustard greens until 13-1/2 years ago. Now I love them.

90. I can't believe I'm only 10 away!!!

91. My mom's name was Emma Juliah.

92. I would love to go to Tuscany.

93. I've lived in four different states. Illinois, Arkansas, California & Iowa.

94. My grandma' name was Etta Bell. She was 90 years-old when she died.

95. I inherited the love of antiques from my grandma.

96. I love HGTV and watching decorating shows.

97. Anne of Green Gables was my moms favorite book. I never read the book, but saw the movie for the first time about 2 years ago. It was wonderful.

98. I don't like to shop.

99. Did I mention I love my husband and family very much.

100. Last but MOST important, I love the Lord and I'm so thankful for His grace and mercy.

How Would You Like To Win.....

2007-08-02T14:59:00.001-05:00

this???

an Insignia 37" Flat-panel LCD HDTV

Yes, Susan and Janice over at 5 Minutes For Mom are giving away a TV!!! Can you believe that!!

It is sooo easy to enter. You have to do 3 things....yes just 3 little things!! Click here and find out how.

If you want more information about this tv you can check it out at Best Buy. While you there be sure to thank them for sponsoring this giveaway!!

Get started......who knows, YOU may be the winner!!!

But then again, I'm getting a spot ready just in case it's me!!!!

Thankful Thursday

2007-08-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

~ This week I want to acknowledge how thankful I am for our good health. Although my husband appears to be suffering from a tick bite and just discovered his cholesterol is high I am so thankful for our overall health. While this tick bite was an unexpected sickness it may well have been a blessing in disguise. It was because of the bite that he went to the doctor and in the process discovered his cholesterol levels. His overall cholesterol was only 181, but the good cholesterol, HDL, was only 22 and the bad, LDL, was 159. So please be sure you know the distinct numbers when checking your cholesterol. If his doctor would have only looked at the 181 he would not have made the changes in his eating habits that could prevent a heart attack.

~ I thankful for our grandchildren. Although it may be difficult sometimes to keep up with the little ones( 2 and 4-1/2), we enjoy them so much. Our oldest will be 15 in November and is such a nice young man and a true joy to be around.

~ I'm thankful that the past 3 days have been good days for our daughter, Lisa. Lisa constantly suffers from migraines to the degree that most of her days are spent in bed. But she said she has had the best 3 days and has been able to clean and do anything she wanted to. She was so excited. Please keep her in your prayers.

~ Although I don't want to be working I am honestly thankful that I have this job to come to. I work for a wonderful family who are like family to me. Since I am having to work right now at least I enjoy the job I am doing. I am blessed.

~ I am also thankful I have a job inside. I don't know how people who have to work in construction or other outside jobs can handle this heat. Right now the heat index is 99. Ugh!!

~ I am thankful that I had the parents I did. They were good, honest, hard-working people with virtues. I can remember my mother telling me how my brother came to her one day and said "I am so glad that you and dad raised me the way you did". Even though it might have hurt at the time, and it was probably deserving, I too, am glad for the parents and their guidance, that God gave me.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. ~ Colossians 2:6-8

Here's what I've been doin....

2007-07-28T11:26:00.001-05:00

I wish I could say that I have been so busy doing exciting things, achieving the many goals I have for the interior of our home, the landscaping, reading all the books I would like to read, exercising, etc., but I haven't. But I will try to bring you up-to-date with what has been going on.

Ethan, our 4 year-old grandson has been here throughout the summer. He was here for 3 weeks, went home for a week, and is now in his last week of another 3 weeks. He will be leaving tomorrow. We have enjoyed him immensely, although I have to admit a little peace and quite sounds rather good right now. But I know I will want to retract that by tomorrow afternoon.

We had purchased a pool for Ethan. As you can see the big guys had to play in it too. That's my husband, Jim and Ethan's brother, Cody, is on the right.

I think Ethan was trying not to get his head near the water, so he stretches his neck like that.

We had a surprise visit of some dear friends from Florida. We met David & Ava when we toured in Central Florida several years ago. Ava sang with a southern gospel group from the local area and we all became great friends instantly.

Jim was real good about sharing one of his favorite treats "banana popsicles" (from Walmart for $1.66 for like 36 pops). I think David and Jim spent most evenings trying to see who could eat the most popsicles.

David & Ava retired about 5 years ago and totally volunteer their time traveling all across the country building churches through MAPS (Mission America Placement Service) RVolunteer.
If you are looking for a mission to support financially this would be a great opportunity to bless this team, and be a part of spreading the gospel. These volunteers are not compensated for their expenses nor are they paid for their labor. They totally volunteer. If you are interested in making a contribution please click here.

Ethan and his Uncle Lonny spent quite awhile hitting golf balls. This boy has always had a love of balls......big ones, little ones, just all kinds of balls.....and golf. Unfortunately most of them go into the pond. But they have fun anyway.

We have always had trouble with our pond seeping at the levee. However, this year it began to leak quite a bit. Jim decided to take a backhoe and try to fix it. As with all jobs involving my brother-in-law,he gets the gravy job. LOL In this case working with the machinery.

We noticed as he continued to dig that he started to lean a little. That happens when you put down the legs on the edge of the water!

I tried to get a shot of the tire sinking into the mud.

Jim gets around there and starts coaching him on what to do to get the weight distributed properly to help lean it away from the water and try to back it out. That helped, but he still couldn't get the traction he needed to back it out.

So Lonny gets the John Deere tractor and is able to pull him out of it.

Oh how I was so thankful. All I could see were dollar signs falling into the water!!

That's a little of what's been going on in my little corner of the world.

A Site Well Worth Mentioning

2007-07-28T09:18:00.001-05:00

As I was catching up on my blog reading I came across this site, "Pure Fashion", mentioned on BooMama's blog. I feel so strongly of the importance of this issue that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to feature this on my blog as well.
Finally, a group that promotes fashion, with dignity. It is very difficult for young girls to portray their modesty when so many of their peers are exposing far more. The need to "fit in" is important to them and this site has guidelines to help girls dress "trendy" but appropriate.
Won't you join them in their efforts to help protect the innocence and purity of our youth, by supporting the Pure Fashion Program in your city? And if your daughter, granddaughter, niece, or friend is interested in becoming a Pure Fashion Model in your city's Pure Fashion Show, contact your local representative today! All the information is available on this site.
As their motto says:
"Pure Fashion...Where values and virtues are always in Vogue!"

Prayer Request

2007-05-18T15:59:00.001-05:00

My daughter, Lisa, called me this morning to request prayer for a dear friend. My son-in-law' cousin, John' fiancee. They are planning to be married in August. She is in her late 20' and has a rare skin disorder. They have admitted her to ICU and right now the doctors are giving her a 60% survival rate. Lisa says she is a very sweet girl and naturally is rather upset of this news.

But I know the Great Physician and he is still in the miracle business!! Please say a prayer for this young woman and their families as they contend with this situation. We know not the plans the Lord has for her life but anything is possible when the Lord is in it!

I thank you....Lisa thanks you....and these families thank you.

The Unpredictable

2007-05-18T15:59:00.000-05:00

I don't like to be wearing sandals when it is raining. I don't like the way the water feels on my toes and as it gets in my sandals causing my feet to slip and slide. I don't even like to walk across the yard in sandals if the grass is wet. Yuk!

So the week before last I carried a bag to work that had my umbrella and an extra pair of shoes because the weather man said it was going to rain.....everyday.....all week. Needless to say it didn't.

On Friday I planned to go to Walmart when I got off work. But as the day drug on I had changed my mind. As we were leaving my co-worker, Carolyn, asked me "Are you headed to Walmart?" I said, "No, I think I have talked myself out of it." After all it had started to get dark looking in the clouds north of town like it was fixin to pour down rain, and I hadn't brought my bag of shoes and umbrella. She said, "OK, I was going to show you where something was, cause I am going there."

As I was driving down the road I remembered that my husband was almost out of his favorite BANANA POPS. (That WAS my first thought, but it may have been the Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream that I was wanting that made me change my mind.) So I decided to go on to Walmart. Once I parked the car I looked in the door compartment to see if by chance I had an umbrella there. I didn't. Now I ALWAYS have a large umbrella that I keep under the back seat and WHY I didn't think of it at this particular moment....I don't know....it was a senior moment I guess. Maybe I could hurry and beat it back to the car before it starts.

As I was scurrying around gathering the items I needed I could hear it thundering and knew it was going to start raining soon. Great, I have everything I needed and it still isn't raining.

But as I arrived at the checkouts things didn't look so good. You know how it is when you are in a hurry, everyone around you is moving in slow motion.

I am one of those who uses the self-checkout and the first one I went to the woman in front of me looked like it may have been her first time. She didn't have many items but looked very puzzled about the whole process. So I moved on to another. They had too many items. I even went to a checker and her line was too full. Finally as I got to check mine out I could hear it pouring down rain. Ugghhh!!!

I completed my purchases and made my way to the door. I stood between the two sets of doors, along with 7-8 other women, waiting for it to quit raining. The whole time I am standing there I am having a conversation in my head about how "it is only water Cheryl.....you aren't going to melt.....go ahead make a run for it.....it could rain for an hour before it lets up".

I step just outside the door, rethinking my next move. I'm going to go for it! Off I take, pushing the cart and somewhat running to the car. As I arrive at the car I insert the key to unlock the door. Apparently I didn't turn it far enough cause the door won't open. I re-insert the key. Finally it opens.

I jumped into the car to reach around for the umbrella. The door shuts behind me. As I turn to open the door, I see my cart being blown by the wind and headed down the parking lot aisle. Fortunately there weren't as many cars parked at this time. I start praying that it doesn't head for one of the cars.

Now as I am frantic to get my cart I can't open the door. The door knob has not worked inside my car for several months. So I have to start the car, roll down the window and reach around to the outside handle. I thrush open the door, jump out and run to grab my cart before it does damage to somebody' car. By this time it has rained so hard the water is standing about an inch or so in the parking lot. I reach for the cart, turn it around and head back to my car. Thank you Lord for guiding my cart!! I get the groceries loaded into my car, even pushing my cart to the cart corral. I mean at this point, what's a few more raindrops!!

The weather man hadn't mention rain today!!

I get in the car and look down at myself. My shirt is drenched and my hair is flat against my head, wringing wet. I shut the air conditioning off, turn on the heat and head home.

I so hoped Carolyn wasn't standing at the door watching me run through the rain and chasing my cart!

About a mile down the road it has quit raining!

As I pull down the driveway my husband is just getting home and he comes around to unload the groceries for me. He makes a comment about how wet I am. We go into the house and he says, "Boy it must have rained hard cause these bags have water standing in them!" Da...ya think!!!! (And I made this trip for HIS Banana Pops!!!)

Life, and weather, are so unpredictable!

Mother's Day Giveaway

2007-05-08T15:45:00.000-05:00

Jules over at Everyday Mommy is giving away a free Typepad or Blogger design!! What a wonderful Mother's Day gift!! Spring has arrived for almost everyone, summer is around the corner.....what better time for a fresh, new look for your blog!!!

Go on over...you know you want to....and enter!!!

Pray for them.....

2007-04-02T15:21:00.000-05:00

My friend, Nita, emails me every morning with a devotion. I wanted to share the one for today, because I am so guilty of not doing this. Why does it seem easier to complain about people who do this to you, rather than pray for them? In reality, complaining doesn't change anything and then we may ruin the day for the person we are complaining to. Maybe this has made me realize more of how much I complain, than about being used.

I was reading the other day about the purple bracelets people are wearing for their commitment to trying not to complain for 21 days straight. And how it takes most people at least 3-4 months to accomplish this. Changing a habit is difficult and 21 days doesn't seem like very long, unless your trying to change a pattern in your life.

Luke 6:28
"Pray for them that despitefully use you."

This verse belongs to the forgotten prayer commands of the Lord Jesus. He taught at length about prayer, but this is one of the very few instances, aside from the Disciples' Prayer (or Lord's prayer, as some call it) where He stressed to His disciples that they should pray for a particular thing.

There is nothing optional about this word of Christ: it is an imperative command. "Pray" He said, "pray for them who despitefully use you." He leaves us no choice and makes no condition. He does not say, "Pray for those who despitefully use you but wait until they say they're sorry."

Every one of us has, at some time or or other, been despitefully used, and probably will be again. But are we really obeying our Lord's command to pray for the people doing it?

From a personal standpoint, I find this one of the most difficult things to pray about, and especially to pray it from the heart. It takes a lot of discipline to get to that point -- not sure I'm there yet, but I'm working on it (rather, God's working on me about it).

It is not for us to whittle down but simply to obey this command. And let it be remembered that in this instance, the Lord Jesus is asking us to do only what He Himself did on a much larger scale. As He suffered on the Cross, He prayed for those who despitefully used Him when He asked His Father to "forgive them, they know not what they do."

Something for all of us to ponder.

~ ~ ~ ~

DYSON GIVE AWAY!!

5 Minutes for Mom is giving away a Dyson Vacuum. You can read all about the details here!

Gold, Common Sense and Fur

2007-03-30T09:51:00.000-05:00

GOLD, COMMON SENSE AND FUR
by Linda C. Stafford from Chicken Soup from the Soul

My husband and I had been happily (most of the time) married for five years, but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if He would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide. God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, He blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.

My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."

I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him.

I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks. I tried to be understanding when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.

When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.

In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.

While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother. I didn't even come close. I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God.

I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too.

Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."

My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine. My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes."

My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes." A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.

I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama, Mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."

The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," Pastor Brian laughed, wiping tears from his eyes. "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur."

"My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.

~~~~~

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.

Yummo!

2007-03-22T15:10:00.000-05:00

The other day I got brave and had my blog critiqued over at Critique My Blog and this is my review!

~~~~~~
Yummo!

http://lifeismadeof.blogspot.com/
SO here it is. Cheryl submitted her blog for review and as I was reading through it I was thinking to myself...this is a good blog about the bloggers life, her thoughts and ideas. It is pretty much along the lines of alot of other blogs that I come across, until I came across the post entitled Breakfast Time. Now, mt background is in pest control and I often catch exactly what was on the menu this particular breakfast time, and being from the east coast we often stick to Egg McMuffins or something along those lines. This is exactly why I love the blogosphere so much, you can see how other people's customs are different from your own. Great blog Cheryl! Keep up the good work.

Posted by blogger at 3/22/2007 0 comments
~~~~~

Well that didn't hurt too bad!

I'm So Excited!!!

2007-02-26T15:09:00.000-06:00

About a month ago I registered for a Women's Conference that is being held at a church in a nearby town. I wanted to attend this conference because the guest speaker is LISA WHELCHEL!!

I have been reading Lisa's "Coffee Talk" journal for several years and I never dreamed I would one day be able to hear her speak.

Many of you will remember her from the Facts of Life show.

I admire what she has accomplished over the years as a wife, mother, speaker and author. Every week she openly shares her thoughts, frustrations, ideas, love, etc. for all to see. She just seems so down-to-earth and has truly been an inspiration to me.

I'm also excited because......

I not only get to hear Lisa Whelchel speak, but my daughter, Lisa P., is going to attend this with me. I expect it to be a weekend full of laughter, tears and growth in spirit!

I've been looking forward to this so much and it is fast approaching!

If your interested in learning more about Lisa Whelchel you can go here, or if you want to see if she is visiting a city near you check here

Woodside Bible Church

2007-02-26T10:41:00.001-06:00

I just had to share this with you.

THE HOMEMAKING MEME

2007-02-22T15:00:00.000-06:00

I was visiting Barb over at A Chelsea Morning and decided to participate in her Homemaking Meme.

Aprons - Y/N? I have a couple of them. One is dark maroon that was my son's when he worked in a grocer. I use it on occassion.

Baking - Favorite thing to bake? I don't know that I have a favorite! If I'm baking I'm usually happy. I bake pies, cakes, bread pudding, cookies, cobblers...

Clothesline - Y/N? I don't have a clothesline per se, but I do love the smell of sheets and bed coverings that have dried outside. I like the towels too, but they end up stiff. But yesterday I draped a table skirt over a lawn chair cause I wanted to dry it outside.

Donuts - Ever made them? I have made them a couple of times from biscuit dough.

Everyday - One homemaking thing you do everyday? We make our bed every morning, without fail.

Freezer - Do you have a separate deep freezer? Yes, it's a small one though.

Garbage Disposal - Y/N? No.

Handbook - Y/N? The Bible is my only handbook.

Ironing - Love it or hate it? I don't love or hate it. If I have a TV or some company I enjoy it more. But I definitely like the way things look when ironed. I iron my husband's work shirts, not the t-shirts, just the button down ones as well as mine.

Junk Drawer - Where is it? What actually constitutes a junk drawer? The drawers in my kitchen all pertain to kitchen stuff, so it wouldn't be in there. I have a rather messy drawer in my husband's night stand but it is mostly medicine (i.e. sinus medicine, aspirin, throat lozenges, cold/flu). Maybe the closest thing to a junk drawer would be at my desk as it has more of a variety of items in it.

Kitchen - Design and decorating? I like the Tuscany style but mine doesn't look like that. I guess I just like it clean and the counters not cluttered.

Love - What is your favorite part of homemaking? I really enjoy taking care of my home and family (husband). It was just more enjoyable when I wasn't working though.

Mop - Y/N? Yes definitely.

Nylons - Wash them by hand or in the washer? I can't even remember when I wore any last!
But when I did I washed them in the washer.

Oven - Do you use the window or open it to check? Open it.

Pizza - What do you put on yours? I haven't made pizza since my kids were in junior high, but I like mine cheese, with extra cheese, or onions and bell-peppers, or spinach or Greek specialty pizza.

Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? Let's see....quiet time...hmmmm. I guess it would depend on if I thought it was going to last for only a moment or an hour or two. If it was only momentarily I would probably just lay on the bed watching HGTV and just relax.

Recipe card box - Y/N? Well I have about 3 or 4, although they aren't necessarily full. One of them was my moms and one my grandmas. Several years ago I decided to put all my favorite recipes into a binder and I could type them several to a page rather than hand-write on a card, that way I didn't have to search through several different books looking for the recipe I used. So I use it regularly. The others are for when I'm looking for something different to cook.

Style of house - It's a 10,000+ sq ft home in a "Gone With the Wind" plantation style.

Tablecloths and napkins - Y/N? I have both, but usually use paper towels.

Under the kitchen sink - Cleaning products.

Vacuum - How many times a week? I vacumned yesterday so that's once this week. But I still have to do the upstairs.

Wash - How many loads do you do a week? I guess a normal week would be about 5 or 6.

X'es - Do you keep a list of things to do and cross them off? Are you kidding, at my age if I don't write it down I will NOT remember!!! But I love crossing them off.

Yard - Who does what? As I've mentioned before we mow several acres, so the mowing is shared between my oldest son and me. Although Jim helps out on occassion.

ZZZ's - What is your last homemaking task for the day? I like my kitchen to be cleaned because the last thing I want facing me first in the morning is a sink full of dirty dishes and cluttered counter tops.

If you decide to participate please leave a comment and I will read yours.

2007-02-06T14:55:00.000-06:00

February 14th, Valentines Day!!!

Need an inexpensive idea for a romantic Valentine's Day?

Shalee has set up Mr. Linky for you to check out numerous ideas for a romantic Valentine's Day! After reading mine go on over and find one that will work for you!

Although my husband and I are in our mid 50's and our children are grown, we still enjoy any time we can have together away from the stress and pressures of our jobs and activities. If we are needing time away and our budget is limited we get in our truck and head to Wendy's.

Well first of all who doesn't like their Frosty's!!

We go to the drive-thru and order a regular Jr. hamburger, regular fries, I get a sodie (that's soda to some of you), and then two large Frosty's. All this for less than $9.00! The Wendy's we go to is joining a grocery store parking lot on a hillside. We find a parking spot away from the other cars and sit and enjoy our meal. What we like about this is that we aren't as distracted from the goings on in the restaurant so we really LISTEN to each other and enjoy the conversation. It just seems more relaxing and "young" I guess. We can laugh and stuff and people aren't looking at you wondering if we're laughing at them.

Sometimes in the summer we do this 2-3 times a week. Well it may be more for the Frosty after the 2nd time!!

For more great ideas go here.

Thanks Shalee for this great way of sharing ideas!

2007-02-02T15:09:00.000-06:00

How would you like to WIN this beautiful necklace?

All you need to do is visit 5 Minutes For Mom and follow
the instructions! It's simple!

Even if you don't win you can still purchase one at Alli's Originals.

Or maybe you would be interested in one these. What a great gift for someone you know who is a new mom!

She even has something for pet lovers!!

So check it out at Alli's Originals.

Your bound to find something you just gotta have!

God knows how...

2007-01-26T12:16:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share this devotion that was sent to me today.

"God knows how to save those who serve Him..." 2 Peter 2:9

I stand a few feet from a mirror and see the face of one who has failed my Maker -- again. I promised I wouldn't, but I did.

I drove past that corner and ignored the one saying he would work for food....

I let pass that opportunity to speak to one about their soul...

I spent more time today on myself than on others....

I was quiet when I should have spoken up....

I took a seat when I should have taken a stand....

If this were the first time, it would be different. But it isn't. How many times can I fall and expect to be caught?

My eyes look in the mirror and see a sinner, a failure, a promise-breaker. But by faith I look into the mirror and see a robed prodigal bearing the ring of grace on my finger and the kiss of the Father on my face...

My eyes see my faults, my faith sees my Savior.

My eyes see my guilt, my faith sees His blood.

Something to ponder today.

The Old Paths

2007-01-21T09:46:00.000-06:00

A friend sent this to me and I thought I would share it with you.

THE OLD PATHS

I liked the old paths, when
Moms were at home.
Dads were at work.
Brothers went into the army.
And sisters got married BEFORE having children!

Crime did not pay;
Hard work did;
And people knew the difference.

Moms could cook;
Dads would work;
Children would behave..

Husbands were loving;
Wives were supportive;
And children were polite.

Women wore the jewelry;
And Men wore the pants.
Women looked like ladies;
Men looked like gentlemen;
And children looked decent.

People loved the truth,
And hated a lie;
They came to church to get IN,
Not to get OUT!

Hymns sounded Godly;
Sermons sounded helpful;
Rejoicing sounded normal;
And crying sounded sincere.

Cursing was wicked;
Drinking was evil;
and divorce was unthinkable.

The flag was honored;
America was beautiful;
And God was welcome!

We read the Bible in public;
Prayed in school;
And preached from house to house
To be called an American was worth dying for;
To be called a Christian was worth living for;
To be called a traitor was a shame!

Sex was a personal word.
Homosexual was an unheard of word,
And abortion was an illegal word.

Preachers preached because they had a message;
And Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY!
Preachers preached from the Bible;
Singers sang from the heart;
And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!

A new birth meant a new life;
Salvation meant a changed life;
Following Christ led to eternal life.

Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God;
Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord;
Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus;
And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you!

Laws were based on the Bible;
Homes read the Bible;
And churches taught the Bible.

Preachers were more interested in new converts,
Than new clothes and new cars.
God was worshiped;
Christ was exalted;
and the Holy Spirit was respected.

Church was where you found Christians
on the Lord's day, rather than in the garden,
on the creek bank, on the golf course,
or being entertained somewhere else.

I still like the old paths the best !

"The Old Paths" was written by a retired minister who lives
in Tennessee

Breakfast Time

2007-01-21T09:13:00.000-06:00

The other day Jim hit a squirrel (he really doesn't do it intentionally), so he stopped and picked it up, cleaned it and put it in the fridge.

This morning I cooked it for breakfast.

Along with ....

Chocolate Gravy

and....

Biscuits. Yummmmm.

Well if you have never had Chocolate Gravy let me tell you.... Well the first time Jim mentioned it to me all I could imagine was making white gravy and adding some cocoa to it, which, even though I looooovvvvve chocolate, didn't remotely sound appetizing. But that isn't the way you make it at all. It is delicious...if you like chocolate.

I use this recipe that I found a few years ago in Guideposts.

3/4 cup sugar
3 tblspns all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 tblspns cocoa
pinch of salt
2 tblspns butter

Sift dry ingredients together in a saucepan, mix in milk slowly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth (I let it just begin to boil). Add butter and vanilla. Serve over hot biscuits. Hmmmmmm!

I make this because it tastes good and because it is easy. So to make it even easier I don't bother to sift my ingredients.

Let me know if you try this and what you thought of it.

We're Having A Party!!!

2007-01-18T17:32:00.000-06:00

This is soooo exciting!

It's not just any party!

This party is hosted by Janice and Susan over at 5 Minutes For Mom!

It's a WEEK-LONG party!!!

And there will be PRIZES!! PRIZES!! Did. you. hear. me....PRIZES!!

For all the details of hosting your party check it out here .

There's No Other Word Than Amazing

2007-01-17T08:57:00.000-06:00

I can't begin to express the feelings that I have experienced since yesterday morning watching the results of donations received on behalf of Kelli.

Not only did BooMama host this wonderful event in "BooMama fashion" but anyone, anywhere, had the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause.

But what has amazed me and blessed my heart so deeply is that everyone who donated did so in an unselfish manner.

Whether you were able to contribute a $1.50 or $100, maybe $1,000, you did so expecting nothing in return personally.

I say this because over the years we have done numerous benefits for children and cancer patients, to our annual Toys of Love benefit. These benefits may have been a success but in every case those donors received something in return....hearing gospel music, food, etc. Even blood donors get a t-shirt. But yesterday ya'll gave expecting nothing but a brighter tomorrow for Kelli and her family. You didn't even receive a sticky smiley face for your shirt, or a symbol pin, a t-shirt...nothing.

I don't know about you but I do know that I receive so much more. It wasn't tangible, but it was felt deep in my heart. Well there is just no better way to say it than "ya'll just blessed my inner soul".

I am so thankful to BooMama for allowing me to be a part of this and I'm very grateful to have received this blessing. You may never know how much I needed it.

If I'm feeling this overwhelmed myself I can only imagine how Kelli and her family feel right now being on the receiving end of such a blessing as you have provided.

I know God's people are loving, caring people but when you see it in action, "there's no other word than amazing".

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

My God shall supply all your needs.... Phillipians 4:19

Mississippi Mud Cookies

2007-01-16T06:08:00.000-06:00

Last night I made these Mississippi Mud cookies. These are Jim's favorite cookie.
If you are from the North you may have never had these. In the 25+ years I lived in Illinois I had never had one so I'm thinking it may be a "south'rn" thing....hence "Mississippi".

I don't know what it is exactly that a person does wrong when making these, but sometimes they don't set up like they should so they remain rather gooey. Well Jim prefers these gooey. All the relatives know if they make a batch of these and they turn out gooey, call Jim.

They are real simple to make and very good. I doubt this batch will survive till tomorrow evening. If your interested, here is the recipe.

1 stick of butter
1/4 cup cocoa
2 cups of sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup peanut butter
2-1/2 - 3 cups instant oakts
1 tsp vanilla

Melt margarine in a large saucepan; add cocoa, sugar, salt and milk. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat; add peanut butter and stir until smooth. Stir in oats and vanilla. Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper. Refrigerate until firm - about 1 hour.

Prayer Request

2007-01-15T20:40:00.000-06:00

First I would like to ask prayer for a friend of mine. Her 19 year-old son and his girlfriend had a beautiful baby boy, Tyler, about a week ago. However, he had walked out on this girl about a week before Christmas and wasn't there for the delivery. She was rather upset, but mostly hurt. He did go see him the 2nd day and has some since then. My friend feels that he may be using drugs, and is partying and putting those things in front of the family situation. Please remember them all in your prayers as they each have a burden in this situation. This precious baby deserves so much more.

I know a great Healer of all things and that He can turn this completely around at any given moment.

Ethan, our grandson, is 4 years-old today!!

He is in Alabama and they are having a party for him on Saturday. He loves balloons so PawPaw and Gannie had bunches of birthday balloons delivered to him today. He was so excited when he called. It is always a rather one-sided conversation. He talks, rambling from one subject to another, not waiting to hear your answer or ask him a question. He is so funny. I love seeing him so excited.

I Can't Believe It Is Happening Again

2007-01-14T08:14:00.000-06:00

I just can't believe it is happening again! I wrote in this earlier post that to me the worst movie I ever saw was Texas Chainshaw Massacre. I was totally disgusted by it. And now there are making a prequel to it!!

I know there have been many gruesome movies produced since then. But for some reason this one has stuck in my mind all these years. I really think it was the final one that I vowed never to watch another horror movie again.

I just choose not to watch such horrific movies where people are deliberately tormenting or killing others. I am not one of those people who are squimish about blood or anything, but horror movies makes me physically sick to my stomach. Actually it is making me somewhat sick just talking about all this.

I think a horror movie can be produced without all the blood and guts. Just some suspense, but not the detailed graphics.

I really don't like the fact that I have given any space here to even mention this movie, except that I have such a strong distaste for it that I needed to vent it.

Thank you for allowing me to do so.

Answer

2007-01-13T19:22:00.001-06:00

Now look closer. Did you answer correctly?

It always blesses us when the cranes (or geese) land in our pond.

Look What We're Gettin'

2007-01-13T14:38:00.000-06:00

I posted this picture of our front yard and pond a few months ago. Actually you are looking more to the right of our house. It is rather green and pretty. Take a note of where the water is in connection with the large shrub in the left side of the picture.

Here is another view looking left of our porch, towards the driveway.

Now your probably wondering why I am pointing all this out to you. Well unless you live in Arkansas or the borders thereof, you probably don't notice much about the weather here. We have already had so much rain the last few weeks and now it has been raining for the past 2 days and will continue through tomorrow. The average rainfall in January is 3.29 inches. They were calling for 7 inches this weekend.

So this is what our front yard looks like this afternoon. Notice the large shrub and the water surrounding it.

The pond again, as well as all the water standing in the yard by our porch.

There's a driveway on the other side of our pond. It runs right next to that big tree on the left, and then you can see what looks like another pond. Well that collection of water is not normally there. It is flooded right now though.

Did you notice amidst all this rain and flooding, the gift that the Lord gave us?

Sometimes we dwell on the trials and hardships we are facing and can not see what the Lord has done for us. Oh I am so guilty of this. Once I can give it to the Lord I can step back, become relaxed knowing He is in charge, and then I can see He was there all the time, working things out, caring for me, blessing me and I find comfort in Him.

If you didn't see it, look again!

Leave your answer in the comments.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday Thirteen - #8

2007-01-10T19:20:00.000-06:00

Banner by Nello Design

Thirteen Things about This Week

1…. Rob came through his surgery fine. The tear in his rotator cuff was much worse than the doctor had thought and he has a lot of physical therapy ahead of him, but he his home and that's always good. The doctor wasn't as hopeful about his recovery as Barb and Rob expected, but they know the Great Physician and we are all standing on His promise and expecting a full recovery.

2. BooMama is doing a wonderful thing for Kelli at Living In Grace. Kelli is needing a kidney transplant and BooMama has arranged through Amazon for people like you and me to make a financial contribution on behalf of Kelli. You don't have to make a large contribution, in fact the minimum amount is $1.50. However if you are in a position to give more I know that would be appreciated. You can read more about Kelli and her situation on this post of BooMama's, or click the button on my sidebar.

3. Winter temperatures have arrived. It has been much colder the last couple of days. It was 36 when I woke this morning, but the wind chill was 29. However it is suppose to be 60 today but the wind is 25 to 35 mph.

4. I'm still requesting prayer for my son, Kyle, and his family. They are wanting to move back to Arkansas from Georgia, but they need to sell their home first. They live in a small town and there doesn't seem to be much real estate activity, so it has been frustrating.

5. Hooray! I have already started getting ready for taxes. This is quite a
a feat for me, as sometimes I put this off....waaaaayyy too long!

6. I've starting the "Read The Bible in Ninety Days" Bible Study that Lori started yesterday. I have never done a bible study on-line before, so I am having to learn how to maneuver the "group" site as well. Pray for me as I attempt this, with the tax thing going on at the same time and everything.

7. I got my office files all changed out and started for the new year.

8. I still have to get my office back in order and things put away though.

9. My husband and FIL are completing another apartment this week, probably today. It will be so good to have money coming in instead all going out.

10. I haven't done so well on my walking challenge that Nancy is hosting. As a matter of fact I haven't made it to the treadmill once. See what I mean, that tax stuff just gets in the way of having fun!!

11. Next Monday, January the 15th, my grandson, Ethan, will be 4-years-old. I sure do miss him being here everyday.

12. Boy I wouldn't know anything if it wasn't for BooMama. She has just announced that Susie over at Bluebird Blogs is also donating 20% of any design order she receives from January 11th thru January 21st to Kelli. So if you have been thinking of getting a new blog design now is the time. You get a new look and you can help Kelli too! There are so many wonderful people so willing to help one another it just blesses my heart!!

13. Click right over to Blessed Beyond Measure and check out the list of books that Bev has been ordering for the bookstore. You may find one, or two, or three.... you may be interested in.

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Gettin' Ready

2007-01-07T08:48:00.000-06:00

My son, Lonny, is so proud of me. Why you say? Because it is only the 6th of January and I have already started working on things for my taxes. Yes, Saturday I began getting my office organized for the new year and starting pulling things together to be ready for our taxes.

Jim is a contractor and I do all the bookkeeping, plus we have a couple of apartment buildings, and my Mary Kay business that I have to get everything ready to file for.

Just so you don't think I sit around twiddling my thumbs when I don't have any work to do on those projects....since my step-father-in-law passed away last year I also oversee my MIL's finances; and don't forget I have an outside office job.

Anyway today my office looks ransacked, with folders everywhere, papers, etc. And if you read an earlier post I mentioned that I really like to be organized especially when it comes to my office. So I am about to lose my mind here.....just having the mess.

The good thing is I get to start fresh with the new year. Clean, neat folders in there place.

Let's remember Rob and Barb these next few days as Rob undergoes surgery Monday for his shoulder. This ordeal has been a trying time for Barb (and Rob) but as she is leaning on the Lord, she is experiencing faith, comfort, and peace. Our prayers go out to them.

I had asked for a pressure cooker for Christmas and my daughter and her husband got one for me. Yesterday I cooked beans in it and made some cornbread. It made me a little nervous for fear that I would cook them dry and the pan would explode. But my boss uses one all the time at work making different things and it amazed me that he could come in and start cooking beans at 11:00 in a pressure cooker and we could eat them for lunch at 12:00. Or cook meat in a much shorter time than normal. If anyone has any good recipes that they use their pressure cooker for I would appreciate you sharing them with me.

Just What I Needed.....

2007-01-04T15:30:00.000-06:00

Well if I did make resolutions....and I'm not saying I do, but if I was going to....exercising would be one I would list. However, I want you to know that I do not like to exercise, I never have and it doesn't take much of an excuse for me to quit.

However, I had bought a treadmill about 4-5 months ago...once again thinking I would give it a try...and I have been on it one time. But in the back of my mind (what with all the talk of resolutions and all) I was thinking I might give it another try and get into some kind of routine. Then I came across Nancy's "I'm Goin For A Walk, Wanna Come" adventure on BooMama's post this morning. Sounds interesting and fun......and some accountability is attached.

So if you think this may be something your interested in doing go on over, sign up and put on your walking shoes, we're on our way to Oregon!!

IT'S 2007!!!

2007-01-01T13:14:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I can remember as a child thinking that by the time we reached the year 2000 we would be flying around in vehicles like "The Jetsons", pushing buttons to prepare meals, robots to clean the house, etc. Well we do have robotic vacumns, lots of gadgets to help in cooking, but we just aren't flying like that yet. Which I think may be a blessing now!

I quit making resolutions years ago.

I guess if I have some OCD it would be that I like to have an organized office space. Which for the past couple of months I have felt rather displaced when it comes to my office. I can't quite get things worked out in just the right functional manner. While I normally am excited about starting a new year and getting all my files new again, etc. I can't seem to get into it this year. I don't know if its because I have so many different things I need to do, and want to do, that I can't seem to decide which one I'm going to do. And one thing I have learned about myself is that sometimes if I don't think I am going to accomplish something "perfectly", I just won't do it at all. Hopefully I will get over this soon...real soon...and will get started on something.

Ethan left to go home this morning. That makes me sad.

I have a prayer request for my husband, Jim. He has had glaucoma since he was a young boy. In the last 15 years he has had 3 trabeculectomy surgeries (2 on his good eye and 1 on his blind eye). His last surgery was in 1999 and with that surgery he also received a miracle. Not only was his vision so good he could read the finest print without his glasses, but he no longer had to use medication to control the pressures. Mind you he still had no depth perception, but I would have to get him to read things for me, cause I can't read without my glasses. He knows he has been very blessed these past 7 years. However, recently his pressure had increased and now he is back on the drops. As with so many medications there are side effects and with using the Cosopt eye drops he is experiencing extreme headaches. I can't imagine pushing forward everyday to work, etc., dad after day and not receiving a break from the pain. It makes for a very trying day. So please say a prayer on his behalf that these headaches will subside.

Well I'm off now to do "something", whichever task I can decide on.

May God bless you throughout this new year!

Ramblin On

2006-12-31T18:10:00.000-06:00

I guess it was such a busy week with Christmas, and the kids being around, grandkids, etc., but Jim and I both forgot our 13th wedding anniversary on Friday, December 29th.

Ethan, our 4-year-old grandson, goes back to Alabama tomorrow. It has been such a joy to have him here...especially when he says "I love you Grannie" (yeah, we've gone from Gannie to Drwannie to Grannie now.

Cody, our 14-year-old grandson, has been here all week too. He has been hanging out with his PawPaw and me a lot this week.

Most would recognize this as a heat register.

This is a hole at the bottom stair which should be covered by previously mentioned heat register.

This "innocent" looking young boy may have been responsible for removing said register and depositing a lovely orange down the heat/air duct work. (Only to rot and be warmed by heat at a later date). Thankfully his Uncle Lonny voluntarily crawled under the house to the duct work and retrieved orange....along with additional objects such as balls which obviously shows us this lad had done this in his even earlier years.

As I was standing around the hole saying things like "Oh Ethan, this is not good" and "Lonny, we have got to get that orange out of there", etc. Ethan comes up to me and grabs each side of my pants, looks up at me so sweetly, shaking his head up and down, and says "It'll be okay Grannie".

Oh the joys of children! I sure do love that little boy!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T07:58:00.000-06:00

It is 8:00 Christmas morning and I've been up since 5:30 am. I am the only one up so far.

It has been raining most of the night. They were calling for a possibility of snow mixed with rain later today. It's pretty wet so it probably won't stick.

This morning I have boiled two chickens for my MIL to make dressing with. I've washed a load of clothes, made a pitcher of sweet tea, a pot of coffee, ate a bowl of cereal, and read some blogs.

Now I'm anxiously waiting for Kyle to call me from Georgia after they have opened their gifts. My granddaughter is only 20 months old so she doesn't know to be excited and wake up early yet.

I'm really anxious for my almost 4-year-old grandson Ethan to arrive too. He should be arriving about 3-3:30. It's been a little over a month since I have seen him and then it was only for about an hour.

We aren't actually having our Christmas celebration until Tuesday. Since Ethan won't be here until later this afternoon and Lisa and Danny can't be here until about 10:00 tonight. We decided we would have ours tomorrow morning.

But things will be going on around here all day. I've got some pies to make still. Lisa and Danny will be here about 12:00 to open gifts with Lonny (he has to work tomorrow). Then they have to be at his folks at 1:00 for a birthday celebration for Danny's mom, before they do Christmas tonight. They always have a separate celebration for her birthday and Christmas because they are both today. Danny's brother will be flying in this afternoon.

Then Ethan will be arriving a little later on. And from that point on our quiet little corner of the world will be in a whirlwind! And I.can't.wait!

So for now I'm just waiting on things to start happening. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Nativity

2006-12-25T07:03:00.000-06:00

The Truth of the Nativity
John MacArthur

The story of the first Christmas is so beloved that singers and storytellers across the centuries have embellished and elaborated and mythologized the story in celebration. However, most people now don't know which details are biblical and which are fabricated. People usually imagine the manger scene with snow, singing angels, many worshipers, and a little drummer boy. None of that is found in the biblical account.

Christmas has become the product of an odd mixture of pagan ideas, superstition, fanciful legends, and plain ignorance. Add to that the commercialization of Christmas by marketers and the politicization of Christmas in the culture wars, and you're left with one big mess. Let's try to sort it out. The place to begin is in God's Word, the Bible. Here we find not only the source of the original account of Christmas, but also God's commentary on it.

We can't know Jesus if we don't understand He is real. The story of His birth is no allegory. We dare not romanticize it or settle for a fanciful legend that renders the whole story meaningless. Mary and Joseph were real people. Their dilemma on finding no room at the inn surely was as frightening for them as it would be for you or me. The manger in which Mary laid Jesus must have reeked of animal smells. So did the shepherds, in all probability. That first Christmas was anything but picturesque.

But that makes it all the more wondrous. That baby in the manger is God! Immanuel!

That's the heart and soul of the Christmas message. There weren't many worshipers around the original manger-only a handful of shepherds. But one day every knee will bow before Him, and every tongue will confess He is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). Those who doubt Him, those who are His enemies, those who merely ignore Him-all will one day bow, too, even if it be in judgment.

How much better to honor Him now with the worship He deserves! That's what Christmas ought to inspire.

Unvarnished Truth
Luke 2:7 sets the scene: ?[Mary] gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.?

That verse is explicitly concerned with a lonely birth. There were no midwives, no assistance to Mary at all. The Bible doesn't even mention that Joseph was present. Perhaps he was, but if he was typical of first-time fathers, he would have been of little help to Mary. She was basically on her own.

Mary brought forth the child; she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths; and she laid Him in a manger. Where usually a midwife would clean the baby and wrap Him, there was no one. Mary did it herself. And where usually there would have been a cradle or basket for the baby, there was none. Mary had to put Him in an animal's feeding trough.

When Christ entered the world, He came to a place that had some of the smelliest, filthiest, and most uncomfortable conditions. But that is part of the wonder of divine grace, isn't it? When the Son of God came down from heaven, He came all the way down. He did not hang on to His equality with God; rather, He set it aside for a time and completely humbled Himself (Philippians 2:5-8).

Unlikely Testimony
Luke 2:8-20 describes the experience of the shepherds when Jesus was born. Think about that for a moment. Out of the whole of Jerusalem society, God picked a band of shepherds to hear the news of Jesus' birth. That's intriguing because shepherds were among the lowest and most despised social groups.

The very nature of shepherds' work kept them from entering into the mainstream of Israel's society. They couldn't maintain the ceremonial washings and observe all the religious festivals and feasts, yet these shepherds, just a few miles from Jerusalem, were undoubtedly caring for sheep that someday would be used as sacrifices in the temple. How fitting it is that they were the first to know of the Lamb of God!

More significant, they came to see Him the night he was born. No one else did. Though the shepherds went back and told everyone what they had seen and heard, and though ?all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds? (v. 18), not one other person came to see firsthand.

Scripture doesn't describe how the shepherds' search for the baby Jesus actually unfolded, but it's not unreasonable to assume that they entered Bethlehem and asked questions: ?Does anybody know about a baby being born here in town tonight??

The shepherds might have knocked on several doors and seen other newborn babies before they found the special Child lying in the feeding trough. At that moment, those humble men knew for certain that the angels' announcement was a word from God. After their encounter with Joseph and Mary and Jesus, the shepherds couldn't help but tell others about what the angels had told them. They became, in effect, the first New Testament evangelists.

The shepherd's story is a good illustration of the Christian life. You first hear the revelation of the gospel and believe it (Romans 10:9-10). Then you pursue and embrace Christ. And having become a witness to your glorious conversion, you begin to tell others about it (Luke 2:17).

May God grant you the life-changing spiritual experiences and the ongoing attitude of enthusiasm and responsiveness that causes you to tell others that you, too, have seen Christ the Lord.

Adapted from God's Gift of Christmas, © 2006 by John MacArthur. All rights reserved.

Provided by Crosswalk.com

Christmas Wishes for You!

2006-12-24T10:59:00.000-06:00

May you have a blessed and joyous Christmas!

New Christmas Decorations

2006-12-18T08:24:00.000-06:00

Saturday I took my MIL to town to do some shopping. We ended up having lunch at Cracker Barrel, and who can go to Cracker Barrel without shopping!! Well they were having a 40% off sale on most of their Christmas items and I found this adorable quilted church for only $3.20. They also had a "Toy Shop", "Candy Store" and a "Post Office".

This beautiful set of angels was $29.99 and I got it for $17.99. The larger angel will begin singing "Silent Night" and then the other two angels will come in so that they are singing 3 different parts. They are also fiber optic and as each one sings the wings light up. They also sing "Angels We Have Heard On High".

You might want to check out your local Cracker Barrel, if there is one near you!

Christmas Tour of Homes

2006-12-15T09:15:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Christmas Tour of Homes hosted by BooMama! Be sure to visit the other homes as I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

And you can do it from the convenience of your own home! No getting in and out of your car! Trudging through snow or ice....no siree, not on this tour! No bundling up and still being cold! That's right!

So grab a cup of coffee, flavored or regular; or a cup of hot chocolate, maybe even a Diet Coke, pull up a chair and enjoy! But don't forget to comment and thank all the hosts you visit!

COME ON IN!

Would you like some coffee or hot chocolate?

This year I am trying to keep Christmas simple so I decided to put up our 6' tree instead of the 12'. Believe me that was much simpler!

We top our tree with this beautiful angel given to me by my mother several years ago.

On my buffet I have displayed a wooden family caroling, a antiquish (I'm not sure that's a word, but it works for me) tin row of buildings. There is a place for the candles in the back which allows it to look as if the lights are on in the buildings. The picture didn't demonstrate this very well. And I also have a another centerpiece that I spoke about on this post, only this one belonged to my mother.

I have about 3 different fiber optic snowmen like this, but I only put one out this year. These wooden ornaments on the right are ones given to me over the years.

The tall soldier was one my oldest son, Lonny, gave me when he was 8. It has his name and the year on it.

This little car ornament was one that my mother gave me in 1988. I had been divorced for 6 years and had just purchased a house that August as well as a new Dodge Omni car. This wasn't exactly a replica of an Omni but it symbolized it just the same.

This is a tree I have in my office. This tree and the little white ceramic church belonged to my mother. You can set a candle in the church too.

These little wooden signs are hanging in my office too.

In the half-bath downstairs I have this little tree. It does have lights on it but I turned them off to take this picture.

This is my kitchen tree. I have so much fun decorating with those tiny little ornaments.

There would be no Christmas celebration if it weren't for this....Baby Jesus. In honor of your birth and all that you are we wish you Happy Birthday!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Our hope is that you and your family have a joyous Christmas celebration and a Happy New Year!

I have this christmas ball wreath on the inside of the front door as you head out. I purchased it a couple of years ago from ABC Distributing for just a few dollars. I really love how it is so colorful.

Now head on over to BooMama's and enjoy the Christmas Tour of Homes!

Just rattling on......

2006-12-11T10:12:00.000-06:00

Has anyone else accepted the upgrade for Internet Explorer 7? Well I did late Friday afternoon on my computer at work. I'm still trying to figure some of it out. Sometimes I think they should leave a good thing alone. I think I like the tab feature but I didn't have any complaints about the previous version.

I haven't made the switch yet to Beta Blogger. I was so frustrated when I first using Blogger that I'm a little nervous about changing just yet.

I had a very nice calm weekend. Unusual for me. Jim was working and I had decided to put up the Christmas tree and decorations. So I was alone until about 4:30. While my husband doesn't like to be alone, I cherish those moments. And since I had decided to do a simpler Christmas this year, everything went very smoothly and I was able to enjoy the day.

It was just such a calmer, relaxing weekend that I long for more.

I need to start my Christmas shopping this week. I kind of know what I what to get everyone so it's just a matter of getting it. I'm planning to do that on Wednesday.

Jim and I watched "The Christmas Box" video last night. I had read the book by Richard Paul Evans several years ago and purchased this video last year, but we had never watched it. I also have "The Timepiece" which is a sequel to The Christmas Box. I have read that book also.

Tonight we may watch "Christmas with the Kranks" or one of my favorites, "One Magic Christmas". My boys and I have enjoyed that one since they were real young.

I pray that next year my youngest son and his family will be living here and we can celebrate Christmas with all of our kids and their families. It has been several years since we have been together for this holiday. For that I will decorate the 12' tree!

Just a Reminder

2006-12-11T07:56:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder that BooMama' hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes on December 15th. If you would like to join in you can find all the information here.

Get those decorations out, take those pictures, and be ready for December 15th!

Christmas Tree Treasures

2006-12-10T13:02:00.000-06:00

I hadn't unpacked my Christmas decorations until yesterday, so I wasn't able to participate in Morning Glory' Christmas Tree Treasures until now.

This is how it works:

What memories are unpacked each year as you decorate your family tree?

You are invited to post as many photos as you want, of the special ornaments that you hang on your tree each year. Share with us why they are special to you. Maybe they are family heirlooms, things your children made you or you had as a child, or special theme collections -- whatever it is that you put on your tree that brings you pleasure each year as you decorate it. Here are a few of the ornaments that have special meaning to me.

We traveled in Florida frequently as we sang gospel music and met some wonderful friends along the way. This angel was given to me by one of those dear friends.

I'm sure Barb has made these at some time!

I really don't remember where I got this snowman, but I have had him for a very long time and he is just a favorite of mine. I always try to display him next to one of the lights so that the glitter will sparkle.

The picture really doesn't do him justice. I guess with all of the lights on things want to glare.

This is actually a centerpiece that my very best girlfriend gave me years ago, so it is so special to me. I believe it was the first year she was selling real estate and this was the gift that she was giving her clients.

The boys and I made these wooden ornaments one year because we didn't really have the money to purchase any other kind. It was a good memory-maker for us.

Between 1989-91 I collected teddy bears of all kinds and sizes. So the boys bought me this teddy bear for the tree.

This was the first ornament that the boys actually walked to town by themselves (we only lived a few blocks from "the square" and it was safer then) and bought this all on their own. Although it usually aggravates me somewhat because the cube is so heavy it wants to pull the tree limb down. But they were sooo proud and I cherish it just the same.

This is another ornament the boys bought me one year. Notice the chocolate on the end of the spoon.

This is something I just prop in the tree. It was a name tag that was on one of my dad's presents years and years ago. I'm not sure why my mother kept it for so long, but now that he is gone I cherish it even more.

This is a wreath with a house on the bottom of it. In August of 1988 I had purchased our first home since my divorce in 1982. This was a big step for me and my boys and I loved the house and that is the one they remember the most about growing up.

My grandma painted this ornament many years ago and gave it to my mom. Now that they are both gone it is even more special to me.

Kyle, my youngest, gave this to me when he was only 3. It was something he bought with play money at his preschool and the teacher put his name on it. It has always been one of my favorites.

This collection of gold 4-sided ornaments belonged to my grandmother.

These are a few of the older christmas balls I have that belonged to my mother. There is the blue, red and silver ribbed ornament with a smaller silver ornament above it that looks like a berry. Then the gold ball with silver glitter on it, as well as the little silver one on the left with a red star in the middle.

And there are several more that I didn't use this year on the 6' tree. But every year I enjoy seeing all of these ornaments as those memories come back to me. One day my children will inherit them and I hope they enjoy them and have memories of their own to share with their children.

Getting Behind

2006-12-08T11:53:00.000-06:00

SINGING

Last Thursday night after I got off work we headed to Florida to do our annual Toys of Love Benefit. This is a benefit that our promotor personally started in his area and I think this is about our 11th one we have done with him. It is similiar to the Toys for Tots program where you bring an unwrapped gift for a child. In addition they take up a love offering to donate for food baskets, etc. that are needed during this Holiday season.

According to our carnal time-frame, it was "just in time" that the Lord blessed us with a motor home to make the trip. We usually take at least 2 vehicles and pull a trailer for the equipment. So it was very nice that we could all travel together in the motor home. By all I mean, Paul, Cody, Lisa, Danny, Kyle, Leslie, Raylynne, Mark, Jim and I. Even though it was much better than riding in cars, when you get that many people in a space, there is never enough room. LOL

It is a wonderful experience to be a part of such a worthy cause. Not only are the children able to have Christmas but we are so blessed just by all of us being together, and seeing old friends that we have met through the years. It is all such a blessing to each of us.

RECOVERING

Needless to say when you travel 18 hours straight with 9 other people, have a lack of sleep, setup equipment, practice for a short time, then perform, then visit friends until almost 2 am, rise again at 6:00 and travel 18 hours again, plus saying goodbyes that you don't want to say, and arriving home at 5:30 am, and Jim and I being in our 50's, we just don't recover as quickly as we use to. So Monday we are moving at a slower pace.

CLEANING

I had also taken Monday off from work so I did laundry and cleaned out the motor home.

I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

However I'm behind reading my blogs and I haven't had much opportunity to write until now!! But I am trying to catch up, so bare with me.

FRIDAYS FEAST - One Hundred Twenty One

2006-12-08T11:03:00.000-06:00

APPETIZER: Which language would you like to learn and why?

Spanish. I have always wanted to learn it and now there is more of a need to know it.
But I would like to learn Italian because I would love to visit Italy.

SOUP: What's the funniest thing you've heard or read so far this week?

I honestly can't think of anything right now.

SALAD: Which movie was so bad you couldn't watch the whole thing?

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

MAIN COURSE: If there were a holiday in your honor that didn't use your actual name, what would the day be called?

Choice Day - It would be the day I could choose to do ANYTHING (or NOTHING) I wanted to do. I could choose to be by myself, no pressures to accomplish anything I didn't want to do, or I could just lay on the couch and watch videos if I wanted, or go shopping, or just anything I wanted.

DESSERT: Name one movie which is coming out soon that you would like to see.

The Nativity Story and Happy Feet. I know that's two but I couldn't help myself.

Click here to visit other Fridays Feast participants.

Holiday Meme

2006-11-29T21:43:00.000-06:00

Oh, Barb also had a Holiday Meme she found while visiting Katrina at Callapidder Days.

HOLIDAY MEME

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Definitely Hot Chocolate!

2. Does Santa wrap the presents or just set them under the tree? Santa has done both. When the kids were young Santa would wrap most of them except a large gift or two. If it was a Christmas with not much money, they would all be wrapped, so that they would feel they had received more and it took longer to get through the gifts.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I prefer white but Jim likes the colored, so that it was we have done the last several years. But I don't know for sure what I will do this year.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? I have in the past, but it's been several years ago. So no, I don't normally.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Never before Dec 1st! Sometimes the first weekend of Dec but usually the 2nd weekend. I ALWAYS take them down the day after Christmas. I always had the day off and I was ready for things to get back to normal.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish, excluding dessert? I'm not sure I have one favorite. I really like Pistachio Salad during the holidays.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Several come to mind actually.....there was the time my brother and I woke up during the night and my mom wasn't in bed yet so he convinced me to go to the kitchen for a drink of water and see what was going on. I headed in that direction and seen clothes draped over the couch, his electric guitar and amp....and I got scared and ran back to the room.
Naturally as I child I would sneak around to see if I could find the hidden presents. One year I found my first talking doll hidden in my great-grandma closet. And another year I found my Barbie doll case hidden in my grandma' closet and I would go in there everyday and smell the case. For some reason it smelled good to me, the vinyl I guess.
The hard part was acting totally surprised on Christmas morning!! LOL

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I honestly don't remember when I found out. I'm sure my brother told me first, but I probably wouldn't believe him.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes! That is a tradition since I was a young child and one I passed on to my kids. Of course we couldn't choose the biggest gift.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I usually have several trees decorated. We have a 12' tree that we usually put up, then I have a 6' tree for the upstairs balcony and several smaller ones throughout the house. On the two main trees I put the lights on first, then I decide what color of Christmas balls I'm going to use. Sometimes the 6' tree has gold and clear balls and decorations. Sometimes I use only pastel balls that I have. Usually the 12' tree is decorated with older Christmas balls that belonged to my mother, some wooden ornaments that the kids painted when they were young, some gold metal figures that belonged to my grandmother. Then I add the candy canes and if I decide to use icicles I put them on last.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? I spent over 25 years in Illinois, so now that I am in Arkansas I do not look forward to it. Oh, it's nice on Christmas morning to have just enough to cover the ground and make snow ice cream, as long as it would melt the next day. Or if my daughter-in-law is here from Georgia. But other than that....I don't need it.

12. Can you ice skate? When I was in high school, but I don't know if I still can. I prefer roller skates, not a single blade.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? One specific gift doesn't come to mind. I know I love all the Barbie dolls and accessories I got, plus my talking doll, and Tiny Tears, the Sno-Cone machine, the doll whose hair you could style (it was a large doll, actually it was just from below the shoulders up, but it was like human size), the monkey handle bars for my bike. That's a start anyway.

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you? Being with family, and helping others less fortunate.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? I enjoy the candy (i.e. fudge, divinity, christmas cookies, etc.), because we don't prepare it any other time of the year. I guess pumpkin pie would be my favorite as far as a dessert goes.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? I enjoy the opening of one gift on Christmas Eve. I get the final decision in which one they get to open and seeing the anticipation they have when they THINK they get to open any one they want.

17. What tops your tree? For years I had a gold star with glitter on it that my oldest made when he first started school. I wanted to replace it several years ago but I could never find just the right angel for it. Then a couple of years before my mom passed away she had bought herself and me a pretty angel for our trees. So it is very precious to me. It isn't anything fancy, but I love it for the obvious reasons.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving. I could sit all day and watch others open gifts. I wish I had an endless supply of money to buy and give to others...strangers, but those in my family who
have needs too.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? O Beautiful Star of Bethlehem or It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas.

20. Candy Canes! Yuk or Yum? I used to like peppermint but I don't care for it much anymore, so I would say Yuk.

What Time of Day Are You?

2006-11-29T21:24:00.000-06:00

I was visiting Barb over at A Chelsea Morning and she had seen this "What Time of Day Are You" meme on Shalee's Diner' blog so I decided to see what time of day I was.

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life.
You enjoy living every moment,
no matter how ordinary.
You are a person of reflection
and meditation.
You start and end every day by looking inward.
Caring and giving, you enjoy
making people happy. You're often cooking
for friends or buying them gifts.
All in all, you know how to love life for what it is -
not for how it should be.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Fridays Feast - One Hundred Nineteen

2006-11-24T07:32:00.000-06:00

I don't know who to give credit to for this lovely banner. I saw it on another blogger, but no credit was given there. If it belongs to you, please let me know!

APPETIZER: Have you ever changed a flat tire by yourself?

Only during drivers education in high school.

SOUP: Do you have an "innie" or an "outie" belly button?

Innie

SALAD: Name a new paint color and describe it.

Are you kidding!! I have enough trouble deciding on colors now, adding another would just put me over the edge!

MAIN COURSE: What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I don't know that it is any specific one, but the combination of them all. But without the family and friends none of the others would matter.

DESSERT: If you were a cookie, what kind of cookie would you be, and why?

One year Kyle accidentally (mixed two recipes) made these chocolate cookies with chocolate chips in them. I would want to be one of them because they are full of chocolate and ALMOST (excluding Barb & Bev) everyone loves chocolate!

Are you ready to prepare your meal? Click right over to Fridays Feast and cook something up!

Marshmallow Treats

2006-11-19T15:06:00.000-06:00

Last night I prepared these Marshmallow Treats that my mother use to make for us when I was young. I normally use large marshmallows but all I had was small ones.

Take amount of saltine crackers you desire, slice cheese to fit cracker,(I usually buy sliced cheese and fold it in half, then half again, to get 4 pieces) top with large marshmallow. Bake in oven till marshmallow softens and cheese is melted. Marshmallow should be a little brown.

I know the combination sounds peculiar but it really does taste good.....well to me anyway....and my kids have always liked them.

I have done them in the microwave but the cheese melts so much more than the marshmallow. I would use the oven the first time you make them.

Children's Nativity Set

2006-11-17T11:59:00.000-06:00

I purchased this adorable nativity set for each of my young grandchildren and thought some of ya'll may like to purchase it as well. It is designed for children in mind and I thought it would be another great way for a parent to interact with the child in explaining the birth of Jesus.

This is available from Collections etc.

Because of copyrights I wasn't able to include the picture. But this figures really are adorable and while they aren't too big they are large enough for small fingers to hold on to. The coloring is adorable. What I have ordered from this company has been shipped and received within a couple of days.

Child's Nativity Set - Item # 10334

This adorable nativity set is the perfect way for kids to celebrate the season. Set includes all 12 pieces, and is finely reproduced in vinyl, so it's unbreakable and safe for kids. Hand painted. Largest piece measures 4 1/2"H x 2"W x 2"D. Price: $14.99

Fridays Feast - One Hundred Eighteen

2006-11-17T08:27:00.000-06:00

Banner by My Place

Appetizer: Do you believe there is intelligent life on other planets?

Not really, but it does raise a lot of curiosity.

Soup: What is one thing you said you'd never do, but you eventually did?

Be like my mother, but over the years I found myself doing things more and more like her.

Salad: Who is the teacher that influenced you the most in school?

My business teacher, Mrs. Smith.

Main Course: If you could trade places with anyone for one day, who would it be and why?

Faith Hill. I could sing "beautiful" praises unto the Lord and minister in song, look beautiful and be skinny all at once.

Dessert: What is your favorite dish to prepare?

Since chocolate gravy and biscuits may not be considered a "dish", I will have to say a roast with carrots and potatoes. I like it because its easy and you can smell it cooking for hours.

If you would like to serve this meal or just want to check out some other cooks, go to Fridays Feast

BooMama is Hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes!!

2006-11-17T07:27:00.000-06:00

Deck the hall's with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Woohoo!!!!

BooMama is hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes!!
This exciting event is scheduled for December 15th.
So don't wait til the last minute this year to decorate
for the holidays. Get that tree up, wrap those gifts,
display those snowmen, pines, candles, etc. Enjoy!!

All those wishing to participate please go here for more information.