Laughing Through The Tears

When It's Time To Change

2008-06-19T16:02:00.002-04:00

Hi Friends,

My "exciting" news was that I changed to a new blog! Many of you are computer savvy. I am not. So this new blog was a big deal to me because it meant that I was learning how to do it all by my lonesome!!

So please change your links to the new one and come see me!

See you over there!!

I'll Be Back!

2008-06-17T18:23:00.002-04:00

I know I have been MIA but I am learning to do something all by myself right now and I am excited! I will let you know soon....hopefully.

Not a day goes by that I don't think of all my wonderful friends!

Hugs to one and all! Pass 'em around why don't ya?

Friday Already?!!

2008-06-13T12:04:00.007-04:00

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

251. Our wonderful new neighbor came over and helped my son and husband with the trees that had fallen due to the storms last Friday. He's an older gentleman and could only work for a short spell because of health issues. We worried about him because we don't know him yet. He wanted to help so badly. Bless his heart!

252. Even though gas prices has hit an all time high around here ($4.19), I know we are still blessed. Other countries have been paying more for a really long time. I try to remember this each time I fill up my van for $68!

253. Each week I am so thankful and blessed with our pastor. I never walk away from a sermon without a challenge. And he knows how to teach us so well that the young ones sit up, listen and understand and the more seasoned folks are learning and being fed as well. And as far as his counseling goes? I feel so comfortable talking with him and his wife about anything and everything. I feel the love, people!

254. Blessed that our air conditioning is working again!! It was getting rather hot and sticky in the house I will admit. An even bigger blessing was that it turned out to be a circuit breaker thingy on the outside unit. My hubs didn't know there even was one out there!

255. Ice was a huge blessing this week! We bought several big bags and just kept munching on ice cubes to keep cool. We were a noisy family with all the crunching, but it worked!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist?

I am definitely one that sees the glass as half full. The way I see it is God only gives you what you can handle and provides a way to get through it. And I can always, always think of someone in worse situations than me. Now having said this I don't want people to think I don't ever complain or say ~ why?~ because I am not perfect. Close though. Just kidding!

Soup

What is your favorite color of ink to write with?

Well if you know me at all you know that I always find a BLUE pen to write with with a medium point. But when I am feeling girly I like to get out the pretty gel pens and write with all the different shades of pinks, purples, greens and blues!

Salad

How often do you get a manicure or pedicure? Do you do them yourself or go to a salon and pay for them?

I get a manicure everyday as I sit and bite and pick at my nails when I am bored. Does that count? Not very pretty though!

Main Course

Have you ever won anything online? If so, what was it?

YES!!!! On last week's Blessings list I posted about my winning a set of books and some chocolates! I've also won other books before from other bloggers! And a set of candles too!

Dessert

In which room in your house do you keep your home computer?

We actually don't have a computer at home. Shocker!! I use a laptop at work and if I need at home I have a really cool computer bag to take it home in. It's blue. Just in case you were wondering!

I am not sure why part of my post is so huge. I can't seem to figure out how to fix it! Sorry about that.

Loving Life

2008-06-11T14:56:00.003-04:00

Can I tell you how much I am enjoying this GOR-JA-MOUS day? It is perfect outside! Temp is in the low 80's with a slight breeze and some big, white, fluffy clouds in the sky. I LOVE days like today!!

I notice I am much happier on days like this. I work at a desk all day long with a shop full of young men and my husband. I listen "guy" talk from nine in the morn until seven at night. Don't get me wrong...they watch their language and are very respectful. It's just that they talk cars non-stop. This can get old after awhile!

I love the boys though. They call me Shop Mom! I love it. I keep a candy jar full of their favorite treats. They "let" me mother them and tell them to be careful. I give them advice on love and dating. And they listen, which is always nice.

But I do miss having a female around. A girlfriend who can tell by the look on your face that you're stressed or have cramps and don't feel well! Someone who won't look at you strange when you cry at the drop of a hat because you're being pulled in every direction and you can't do it all!

Thank you my Blogvillians for listening to me when I needed such a friend! I want to be there for you too. I appreciate all the personal emails I receive from you all. I know what busy schedules we all keep so it means a lot when you take the time to write!

I love you all and I pray that this day finds you happy and enjoying life!

Evolution of Dance

2008-06-10T15:01:00.001-04:00

In my world laughter is important! I can be in pain (like today) and be a tad bit irritable, but when I watch stuff like this I cannot help but break out into an obnoxious loud laugh with a snort or two!

I know you'll be saying to yourself, "I remember that, and that, oh and that one too!" If you haven't seen it before it's worth watching. For the memories and definitely for the laughs. Go get someone to watch it with you so you can laugh together!

Have a wonderful day filled with love and laughs!

I Needed This!

2008-06-09T17:28:00.001-04:00

We had a horrible storm in Indiana last Friday. PTL we haven't had much flooding!

I live in a VERY woody neighborhood. After checking my mom's house for damage we went home. Out of all the houses in the neighborhood we were the only ones to have some damage. In our front yard we lost a beautiful pear tree. It looked like someone picked it from the stem and laid it there. And the sad thing is there is a nest full of baby Robins. I cry just thinking about them.

And in our backyard we lost a HUGE oak tree. PTL again that it didn't hit our home. It only took out the dog run, which we no longer need because our Woo is well behaved!

Anyway, this little boy is from Lafayette, Indiana which is only 20 miles from where I live. I'd heard about this on the news, but never got to actually see it. I love YouTube! This just made me giggle all day long! I'm immature to say the least.

TeeHee!!

Fill Her Up Friday!

2008-06-06T11:13:00.001-04:00

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

246. I entered this contest with encouragement from Marina and I learned that I won!! Yay 4 me!! I didn't win the autographed book, but I won ALL 3 books from the series. And get this...I also won some....teehee...dare I say it.....chocolate!!!! Be still my heart. I cannot wait to sink my teeth in the books. Ha! You thought I was going to say chocolate, didn't ya? Admit it. If you're nice to me maybe I will share!

247. I was able to go to my niece and nephew's graduation open houses. It's nice to see so many people at each of them. I love to see friends and family supporting young people that are going off to start a new life for themselves. You know the kids are excited to go to college, but I know with these two there is also a sense of nervous anticipation as they leave their families. We should all remember to be praying for the college students.

248. This may not sound like a blessing, but it is to me. I take so many things for granted. Our air conditioning went out at home and we have no money to fix it. It has been in the high 80's and 90's this week too! While I am lying in bed all sticky even though I just took a cool shower I am thankful for the roof over my head and all the "stuff" that surrounds me.

249. I had a good doctor's visit with my rheumatologist. I am desperately trying to get off prednisone, but every time I taper down a wee bit it throws me into a flair up. She's giving me some ideas to try so I can get off this nasty medicine! I am thankful for her because she truly listens and she truly wants the best for me.

250. Money was super tight this past week. As in - no money. Literally. I had to borrow money from my daughter to put gas in the car. Our customer was way over due on his payment so we ran out of money. Anyway, the blessing is that we saw that we could live on no money for a week (except for the gas). We became very creative with the things we needed and we managed to clean out some of the shelves in the cupboard! This also helped me just give the money situation completely over to God. Which was not easy I admit! Well, yesterday the one customer finally paid and our other customer sent his payment in two weeks ahead of time!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup?

I prefer to lick it up...like a kitty. Meow! Actually I have a hard time holding things so I prefer my drinks in a styrofoam cup with a straw and a lid. Because I also tend to spill a lot. You just can't take me anywhere!

Soup

What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch?

How late? I'm up until at least midnight every night. But I would stay awake another hour or two if I knew something good was coming on like ~ Hmmm....I really can't think of anything! Since we have a way to record it why lose my beauty sleep? And if you've seen me lately you would know that I NEED that sleep!

Salad

Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant.

My husband, David, truly is brilliant! His mind is amazing and I cannot keep up with him. He has engineered several products for Mustangs and has two of them with a pending patent. We receive calls all the time from people all over the world that has heard of him and his reputation for being the one to ask the all important questions when it comes to their cars. In fact, we just received an e-mail from a gentleman in Russia today wanting to buy pur products. I thought that was pretty cool!

Main Course

Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas?

We own our own shop and kinda have to be here six days of the week. I would love to be able to work four days a week. That sounds lovely! But nope. Gas around town right now is $3.86! It has actually gone down a few cents. Yippeeeee!!

Dessert

If you were a superhero,what would you call yourself?

Good question! Hmmm, I would call myself Bionic Blue. I have many replacement joints which makes me bionic and of course, my most favoritest color in the whole world is BLUE!!!

I can hear your cries now ~ "Bionic Blue, I've fallen and I can't get up! Please help!"

Yep, that's my new alter ego!

Thursday Thirteen

2008-06-05T09:59:00.013-04:00

13 Things I Get To Do This Summer Now That I Am Mobile Again!!

In case this is your first time here you might need to know that for the last two years I've struggled a bit...okay ALOT....with my arthritis. BUT I've had both hips replaced and am up and about again! My list might sound boring to most, but for me it is huge because I no longer take these things for granted!

GARAGE SALES! Oh how I love rummaging through other people's junk. You just never know what you're gonna find, do ya?

SWIMMING! I am a great floater, but am anxious to try out my new bionic-ness in the water. Plus I need this kind of exercise to build up strength.

Neighborhood Walks! I still can't go too far without needing my crutches, but I've noticed my distance is getting longer each time I go somewhere before my back gives out! Little steps and patience can go a long way my friends!

4H Fair and State Fair! All three of my kids were in 4H and I love the program and want to keep supporting the youth. And I can't wait to go to the State Fair...not only for the projects, but I openly admit that I love the food more! TeeHee! Yum, Yum give me some!

Vacation Bible School! This should have really been at the top of my list. I missed alot of Awana last year because of pain. I love interacting with the kids and teaching them God's truths. This year I will get to help again after a three year absence. Pray for us!

Lunch with girlfriends!!!! I cannot even tell you the last time I went to lunch with just one of my friends. And since no one in my family likes Chinese food besides me, well, I can tell you where I am gonna pick to dine! I can't wait for the fellowship and to have some heart to heart talks with my bestest of friends. In case you were wondering what their names are: Karen, Bridget and Michelle! Love you guys!

State Parks! I'm not much of a hiker or even going on trails, but I love to go and see nature and watch families having reunions and listen to the birds and breath in the smell of the campfires!

Library! I know, weird one. Our new library was built almost three years ago and I have yet to step one foot inside it. I just realized that today when we were downtown. It's not easily handicapped accessible either which is also weird considering it's brand new. Sigh.

Strawberry Festival! Our local festival is next weekend and I am SO excited! I always run into old friends from high school and other people I don't see often. Plus, hello? Strawberries anyway you can imagine!

Symphony on the Prairie! I haven't mentioned this yet to my husband, but I want to get tickets for this. Outdoor concert with beautiful music while being with the one you love! Sounds nice, doesn't it?

Sitting on the back porch talking to my husband while he's grilling! No, I was not even able to do this for so long. We love to grill outside and enjoy each other's company. And our doggie is always watching for a hotdog to fall off the grill...lol!

Fireworks! Last year I did go, but I had to sit in the car and my view was obstructed. I had a hard time ooohing and ahhhing! But this year I may even get a front row seat!

Last, but not least...I always took for granted being able to hop in a car and go somewhere all by myself. Well, now I am finally to the point where I am not too scared to do this anymore. I don't care if it's running to the local thrift store, ice cream parlor or Wal-mart. I can do this now. All.By.Myself!! I'm a big girl now. :o)

Have You Ever?

2008-06-03T13:02:00.000-04:00

I love meme's. Especially when my heart is heavy and I don't want to be a Debbie Downer. So I will cheer myself up and do this meme. And since you know me you know I can't just give a yes or no answer....no, I have to elaborate! Well, here we go:

Gone on a blind date - Yes and no. Because my future husband was very shy I had to promise his sister that I would go out with him if he had the nerve to ask me out. We had never met, mind you. But I agreed. He and I worked together for an afternoon and I guess he decided he liked me enough to ask me out. He bought one of those giant lollipops and as I was handing it back to him he gave it to me, sheepishly, and asked, "So, do you want to go out with me?" I wanted to giggle because I could tell how nervous he was! We went on a double date to an REO Speedwagon concert and the rest is history.

Skipped School - Yes, and with my mom's permission no less! One of my favorite stores as a teenager was having a huge clearance sale. My mom gave me her credit card and the car and told me to go have fun! How cool was she?

Watched someone die - Thankfully, no. When my father died I arrived about fifteen minutes after he passed away. That was hard enough. But I know if I ever have that experience God will give me the strength I need at the time to handle it.

Been to Canada - Yes. I planned an anniversary trip for my husband about five years ago and we went into Canada and had a wonderful time. I would love to go back and spend several days there though and see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side.

Been to Mexico - Yep. We went to Ensenada with the kids. It was beautiful! Our room was actually bigger than our home. Amazing. One day we went downtown to go sight seeing and shopping. On one side of the street their would be lavish mansions and on the other side would be folks living in cardboard boxes. One extreme to the other. Our kids witnessed other children their age begging for money while we shopped. One of the locals did tell us that there were jobs available, but families could make more money having their kids beg. It's so sad because I do want to help people when they do need it. It's hard sometimes to know who to trust.

Been to Florida - Oh yeah! Many times. I am very fortunate to have travelled a lot because of my husband's jobs. And thankfully our kids have been able to go with us quite a bit too. The last time we went was in December for a trade show. So not much vacationing then, but still a good time because our oldest daughter went with us!

Been on a plane - Wwhhheeeee! I LOVE TO FLY!! Again, I've been blessed with travel. I've been able to go to many of the states and all over Europe. Would love to go there again for our 25th wedding anniversary which is next year!

Been lost - You bet'cha! I have absolutely no sense of direction whatsoever. I need a GPS system badly. And if I get lost when I am by myself I panic. I cry like a little girl. Yeah, I know what you're thinking....Grow Up! My brother is the same way. Except for the crying part!

Been on the opposite side of the country - Well, I am in Indiana and I've been to California numerous times. Yay 4 Disneyland! My husband grew up in California and

Gone to Washington , DC - YES! Just went there in December after our Florida trip. We are planning another trip soon because we loved it and there is so much to see. Can't wait!

Swam in the ocean - Tried too. I am not very steady on my feet and so I kinda got swept away a bit. You can say it made me nervous so I just sat in my beach chair with my legs in the shallow part of the water and got burnt to a crisp. But I'm not bitter or anything!

Cried yourself to sleep - Too many times. Mostly because of being in pain and frustrated that I couldn't get comfy. But lately I've gone to bed crying and hurting for several of you guys. I hate to see anyone go through their trials and I can't be there to help. So I pray. And cry.

Played cops and robbers - LOL! Yes, and I liked being the bad guy! My brother had all the guns and whistles so I got to play the thief. And being as fast as a snail meant that he always caught me and through me in jail. Jail = underneath dining room table with a blanket thrown over it so I couldn't see out! Too much fun!

Recently colored with crayons - I am never too old to color! One of my very favorite things to get is a new box of crayons. I love the smell and the look of all the pointed ends and the colors. Oh my, the colors! When my oldest had her wisdom teeth pulled a few weeks ago we sat down and colored in a book. It was a pirate coloring book and I colored my pirate quite flamboyantly!

Sang Karaoke - Uh, that would have to be a sung off key...NO! I am not gifted musically. Sigh.

Paid for a meal with coins only - With many places having a dollar menu how can you not? Doesn't everyone let their change collect in the unused ash tray and then you all treat yourself to a cheeseburger or a slushie now and then?

Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t - Sure. Many times. And it's usually a good lesson for me too. I am learning to say no more often. It's very hard, but I've learned I can't perform well when I am spread too thin.

Made prank phone calls - Who? Me? Why I never.....oh, I can't type that with a straight face. Of course I have! And I was quite good at it too! I could be quite a stinker when I was younger.

Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose - or other places! - Only once! And it was Pepsi. Ouch, that is painful. Now my BIL can never ever ever drink milk if my husband is near by without it coming out of his nose. That's just gross. And wasteful! LOL.

Caught a snowflake on your tongue - Yes! And I've also stuck my tongue on a frosted sled and got it stuck. Stupid.

Danced in the rain - I wouldn't call it dancing, but more of twirling with my arms opened wide and letting the warm rain fall on my face. My kids love to do it too!

Written a letter to Santa Clause - Oh yes! I believed in Santa until I was ten years old. My friends kept telling me from second grade on that he wasn't real, but I didn't want to listen. I love being in my own little world at times.

Been kissed under the mistletoe - *blush* And it was very nice too!

Watched the sunrise with someone you care about - Yes. When the whole family went camping one summer we got up to watch the sunrise. Beautiful. And even more so when you're with your loved ones!

Blown bubbles - On Saturday I did! Again, you are never tool old for blowing bubbles. I even told my bestest friend that while we were blowing them at each other. Even our pastor was having a good time with them. My dog like them too!

Gone ice-skating - I tried when I was around seven on a pond near our house, but could not do it. I was great at roller skating though and went every weekend to the local skate corral. A lot of the guys from church would always be there too and so I always had someone to skate with when they called for couples only. Plus the guys from my youth group were cuties!

Been skinny dipping outdoors - Not on purpose. Enough said.

This was probably TMI for most of ya, but there ya go! I hope everyone is having a wonderful day. We are getting hammered with rain right now. Maybe I need to go out and dance in it!

This & That & A Prayer Request

2008-06-02T15:43:00.002-04:00

Hello my friends! This will be short and sweet because I need to keep working, but I wanted to say howdy. My computer came down with a bug so I haven't really been able to post or visit or do my actual work. Not good, huh? I know! I miss my friends. Work will always be there, but my friends NEED me!! At least I hope so.

And as my friend would you please be praying for Amy? Her beloved bassett hound passed away a couple of days ago. My heart aches for her because I totally understand how much she loves her pooch. If you are an animal lover than you get it too. If not, just know that it can hurt deep. Thank you guys!

I don't ask this often enough, but is there something I can be praying for in your life? We all have struggles and needs and this is something I can do for you too. Just let me know.

I will try to visit if my computer will allow. Love you all. I really do!

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

2008-05-23T11:52:00.011-04:00

1000 Blessing's Friday

241. The happy girl on the far left is my niece, Sarah. Their softball team won the sectional championship! Sarah is graduating tomorrow. *sniff* Sarah reminds me of well, me. Not as far as athletics go mind you, but her sense of humor. She's a big dork just like her Aunt Amy! She and I can see the humor in situations when others cannot. And yes, she also laughs at inappropriate times like dear old muah!

Sarah is also very creative and artistic. Not me. Give her a few weird items and she can make a masterpiece. She even made her prom dress out of duct tape last year and it was gor-ja-mous! Very talented indeed.

242. I just love the live giraffe cam! I can be having a rotten day and I go see what my giraffes are doing and it turns my frown upside down. Corny, I agree. But ever so true. And look at that one with it's chin on the fence! He reminds me of my bulldog when she is begging for food! How can you resist those precious eyes?

243. Another blessing I've received in a round about way is my oldest daughter has decided to take some more college classes. She's learning that in order to get a good paying job you need to have a degree of some kind! I'm thankful that on her own she is seeing what it's like to be an adult, learning from it and doing something about it! She's a good girl though and I am always blessed to have her for my daughter!!

244. Free food! That's always a blessing. Because we have our own business several stores like AutoZone and CarQuest have been having customer appreciation days. And because we spend a lot of money with each one we get free eats for lunch. And the food has been delicious. All homemade too!

245. Another blessing for me this week is health. I am hurting pretty good today, but I think it's due to the fact that every other day I've been going, going, going! And that's a good thing. No, a GREAT thing! Call me Miss Independence. Please!

Please tell me one of your blessings this week!

Prayer Request

2008-05-21T09:16:00.004-04:00

Some of you may remember him. This is Luke Menard and he made it to the top 16 on American Idol this year. He is also from my hometown - Crawfordsville, Indiana. He is a christian and a super nice guy. He has recently been diagnosed with cancer.

It has been confirmed that Luke has stage II Hodgkin lymphoma. I have read that this is a treatable cancer with high success rates. But it is still cancer.

Would you please remember this dear family in your prayers?

Thank you.

A Whisper of Freedom

2008-05-19T10:03:00.003-04:00

Marina asked me to do this meme and since I think she is such a beautiful lady how could I say no! If you've never met her stop by and take the time to get to know her. Not only is she gorgeous, but her heart is even more beautiful. She's a woman after God's own heart.

Welcome to the blog tour and meme for A Whisper of Freedom!

Tricia Goyer is the author of twelve books and the recipient of the Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. She also writes nonfiction articles for magazines and is a regular speaker at conferences. Read more about her at her website.

During the tour, you can enter to win one of FIVE signed copies of A Whisper of Freedom by signing up for Tricia's newsletter here!

Three players will be selected at random to win their own lost gold (gourmet chocolate coins and all three books in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series). To enter, all you have to do is answer the meme on your blog and then leave a comment on Tricia’s blog tour post.

I tag each and every one that stops by! Please leave me a comment telling me that you played, answer the questions on your blog, and leave a comment at Tricia's post about your meme post.

Easy enough! On with the questions.....

1. List three things you would do with a chest full of gold (assuming you got to keep it!)

I don’t want to count my tithe in my three things because we all know the Lord gets the first of our fruits.

So the first thing I would be able to do is afford surgery for my bulldog, Wensleydale. She tore the ligament in her knee on Mother’s Day. The surgery will be at least $1800. Yowzers!

Secondly, I’ve had several surgeries this past year so I’ve acquired some large bills. I would pay off my hip replacements, my hospital bill for the E-coli and kidney stone removal and my latest adventure with some ovarian cysts.

Whew! Now that those are out of the way I want to take the rest of the treasure and give it to my family because they are the ones that deserve it! My husband, three kids and mom spent over a year bathing me, dressing me, feeding me, rubbing my back, lifting me and helping me go to the bathroom, whatever I needed or wanted. The list goes on and on. Never once was there a complaint from any of them.

I know each of them has material things they desire, but they also have a heart and a burden for missions and for people in general. I know that they would donate to their causes and if there was any money leftover they might be able to pick out a couple things they want. :o)

2. List three charities/missions/organizations you support (and why).

Even though Jerry Lewis makes me do one of my favorite things (LAUGH) I don’t support the Muscular Dystrophy Association because of him. My grandfather had MD and I have three cousins (from the same family) that have also been stricken with MD. My cousins, Glenn, Gary & Karen have also been an encouragement to me to keep pressing on no matter how tough it gets!

Something else near and dear to my heart are my friends Robert and Jody Frye. Not only did I grow up with Jody, but I have been witness to seeing God do mighty things through everyday, normal people like you and I! Robert was sitting in his comfy chair watching the telly when a commercial came on for feeding the poor children. I don't know exactly which commercial though. Anyway, the Lord laid this burden on his heart for the youth in Romania and he told his wife about it. At first she was hesitant and just said slowly, "OoKkaayy." But within a week her heart was burdened as well and so began their journey! It didn't take long for them to raise support and off they went to Romania to spread the Gospel of Christ and teach the young people carpentry and homemaking skills so that they might have a decent future. Talk about trusting in the Lord!

One more organization I support is our local animal shelter. As a child I was always bringing home stray cats or injured birds and maybe even a raccoon. Mom wasn't thrilled with the last one though! It breaks my heart to see animals roaming the roads with no place to call home. I know what a comfort my bulldog is to me and how much she loves being loved! I've adopted two older cats from the shelter and have convinced several of my friends that they needed some more pets too! I also send away for as many free samples and free coupons for any kind of animal food, treats, litter and toys that I can find. It doesn't take long to gather a large box of goodies either! This was something I was able to do easily while I was bedridden. I also support them with monetary donations and other things such as cleaning supplies and blankets, etc. But in all honesty I love getting the free coupons and going to the store and seeing what all I can get for free!

3. List three ways you have volunteered your time/services.

I’ve recently been on the receiving end of people’s time and services with meals being brought in and numerous cards sent to me to keep my chin up.

During this time I learned how important even the little things are. I was never a card sender until I received so many and realized what an encouragement they were to me. And I just don’t sign my name to them. No! I like to take the time to write the person. If they are home bound I let them know what’s going on with my family and any news from church. As long as it isn’t gossip! When you are home bound you long for any news from the outside world. I understand that part.

If they are recuperating from an illness or surgery I can write something funny and uplifting because they will get better. It’s not the same as being home bound.

Another way I volunteer is offering these same people my time by making trips to the grocery store or Wal-mart. Again, I understand what a chore this can be and it can save the person a lot of energy and potential pain if I do this for them now that I can with my new bionic hips!

And the third way I volunteer is at my church in the Awana program. I am the director of Chums, which is 3rd and 4th grade girls. Awana is sort of like a Christian Boys & Girl’s Scouts. I have four other leaders and together we make a great team! We have the privilege of teaching 15-20 girls each Wednesday night about God’s truths and salvation. Most of our girls come from unchurched families and they want and need someone to listen to them and more importantly to show them God’s love.

I know I go each week in hopes of being a blessing or an encouragement to the girls, but I'm the one that leaves with the blessing from watching these girls grow in Christ!

4. List three things you keep "hidden" when company comes over.

I have to be completely honest and tell you that what you see is what you get! When I was younger I would panic if someone was stopping by and I had laundry out on the couch or dirty dishes in the sink.

The older I get the more I have learned that when someone comes for a surprise visit it isn't the house they are interested in. It's me and my family! In fact one of my friends came when I was folding about three loads of laundry. Underwear included! She sat down next to me and started helping me fold it and we laughed and talked the entire time. :o) Nope, no need to hide things when true friends are around.

5. List the last three things you've lost.

Patience. Not with family or friends. But with the Lord. I had one of my worst weeks ever last week with one catastrophe after another. Well, they seemed like catastrophes to me. But God is bigger than all my problems! I was asking why me when I should have been rejoicing in all the many blessings He provides on a daily basis. After watching the news and seeing the devastation in China I quickly got my act together and asked forgiveness for being so selfish.

My eyesight. Well, not completely PTL, but I cannot see anything close up anymore. I have to stretch my arm out as far as it will go and then tilt my head and scrunch up my nose before I can read the label on my candy bar to see how many calories I will soon be enjoying! Last night at Target I bought a pair of those cheap (only $1) glasses that sit on the end of your nose and make you look really silly. And they are bright blue! If you don't know me you must know that anything blue makes me smile. So here I sit with my arm stretched out, head tilted, nose scrunched up, looking silly with an even goofier smile on my face because I see BLUE! TeeHee!

Money. I made a big mistake in the checkbook. I should have used a calculator instead of relying on my 1st grade math skills. Therefore, I bounced a check and lost another $35 because of my ways. I think I will bring out my trusty abacus next time!

6. List the last three things you've found.

Peace. I know my trials come for a greater purpose that I may not fully understand. Who am I to question the Lord? He died for me! For that sacrifice I should be able to handle some frustrations. Plus, He gives me the resources I need to tackle these challenges! Some days are easier than others I must admit, but even through my tears I can still rejoice and be thankful for my circumstances. I know through these times He is holding me in the palm of His hand! I can rest assured and do my very best and He will lead me if I just let Him.

Coolness factor. After 43 long years of no comprehension of fashion I guess I have stumbled upon hipness. And I'm not talking replacements either! My girls and I went shopping and I found not one, but two pair of jeans. And they fit perfect! Plus they were on clearance for $13. Sa-weet! My daughters say they are in style and I look really cool in them too. Bonus!

And lastly, I just found at Bed, Bath & Beyond a table that will hold my laptop if I am not feeling well and have to stay in bed. It's the right height and even tilts! There's a place for my mouse and even a little storage compartment. Probably for pens and paper, but more than likely I will hide a treat in there. LOL! Having this will be nice for me because I can still work from home with a little more ease and even work in a little blogging! Oh yeah, plus I got it on sale and also had a $5 off coupon. Score, baby, score!

I guess that's it for me! Please play along too and let me know!

Daddy's Girl

2008-05-16T11:56:00.005-04:00

I have smelly feet. Just like my dad. I like being just like him. Even if it does mean I stink. A daddy's girl. That's me.

My father always wore shiny, black dress shoes. It didn't matter if he was wearing his suit or his Bermuda shorts. His feet were adorned by his shiny, black dress shoes. And black dress socks. How could I forget those?

I loved sitting with my dad on Saturday night as he polished his shoes. We both loved to smell the cedar box he kept his supplies in. I would hand him what was needed as he kept me entertained with corny jokes or memories from his childhood. When he was done he would try them on for my approval. "Perfect daddy!", I said. This time was precious to me. And to him.

My father worked for Kroger. Mom took my brother and me to visit him often. I fondly remember dad in his pink shirt (yes, before real men wore pink!), his Kroger name tag and those shiny, black dress shoes. I can still hear his footsteps as he raced down the aisle to greet us!

These same shiny, black dress shoes would serve many purposes over the next decade. They were worn as he carried me up a hill when I broke my leg. Or when he kicked a football to my brother out in the backyard. Or as he held my mother's hand as they walked through the park. Or as he ran down the hospital hall just in time to hear his grandchild's first cry.

My father's shiny, black dress shoes started showing signs of wear. One day when I was taking my kids to Kroger to visit their grandpa I saw him in the parking lot. He didn't walk as fast as he used to. In fact, he dragged his feet with each step. I brushed it off as a sign of aging.

Before long dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's with autonomic failure. This was the cause for the scuffs on his shiny, black dress shoes. Within a year my father's journey would take a drastic turn.

His shiny, black dress shoes would be put away on his closet shelf for the time being. He could no longer walk and spent the rest of his days in bed.

My father also lost his ability to speak. I would sit by his side holding his hand and entertained him with the corny jokes he used to tell or memories from my childhood. His eyes would light up when I reminisced about him carrying me on his shoulders at the parade or when he walked me down the aisle on my wedding day! This time was precious to me. And to him. I was daddy's girl.

I received the call at 12:18 am on January 11, 2007. My father's earthly journey had come to an end. My husband and I left for the nursing home. We were the first ones there. As I walked to the end of his bed I touched his foot. I didn't let go until the warmth left his body.

Two days later as I gathered his suit for the funeral I saw his black shoes on the closet shelf. Next to it was his shoe shine kit. I brought the cedar box down for one more smell. Mmmm. Then I grabbed his scuffed, black dress shoes. I tried to shine them. Tears filled my eyes until I couldn't see what I was doing.

I will always be daddy's girl. No one else will ever fill my father's shiny, black dress shoes.

This is my entry for Scribbit's Write-Away contest.

Friday's Feast

2008-05-16T08:52:00.003-04:00

Appetizer

What is the nearest big city to your home?

Lafayette, Indiana….home of Purdue University. Go Boilermakers! Also not far away is Indianapolis, Indiana….home of the Indy 500 baby!

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how well do you keep secrets?

An eleven! I am a very good secret keeper. I only tell one person at a time. LOL!

Salad

Describe your hair (color, texture, length).

Funny you should ask! The beautician just chopped it off to my chin. Yikes! My hair color is a warm shade of brown with more and more gray trying to sneak in. It used to be as straight as could be, but now it wants to curl a little bit. Sigh!

Main Course

What kind of driver are you? Courteous? Aggressive? Slow?

I want to be a good example for my children so I am very patient. I try to be courteous and obey the law. Not even a rolling stop. I know my kids are watching. And the law is too!

Dessert

When was the last time you had a really bad week?

Wow, where do I begin? It all started last Saturday with my shoulder giving me fits. So I spent Mother’s Day weekend sitting perfectly still on my bed until my shoulder fixed itself. Also, my precious dog tore the ligament in her knee and needs surgery. On Monday the window in my van decided to break for no good reason! The van must want attention because it also started asking for a new battery by dying every time we opened a door for more than 30 seconds. My husband’s truck had a major meltdown as well and needs some repair before he can drive it again. My son started our mower and it blew up. Still not sure why. I forgot to pay the gas bill and it got turned off. My fault, I realize. My daughter has decided it’s more fun to lie than tell the truth. She’s nineteen and knows better. So we are dealing with that. And to top off the week I bounced a check! Even though I had deposited funds in my account three days prior to writing the check, those funds had not cleared yet. It makes no sense to me. I hate to say that’s not fair, but does this sound okay to you? I would think with today’s technology they could verify if my customer has enough in his account to cover the check. I dunno. Aggravating though.

Yes, it was a bad week, but I also had some good news….

I’ve had a rather large ovarian cyst that might involve another surgery. When I went to discuss it the cyst had absorbed back into my body. Sure it might come back, but for now it’s gone! And I am truly thankful for this!!

Happy Mother's Day - A Day Late!

2008-05-12T16:07:00.006-04:00

I spent my Mother's Day weekend in bed. No, my family wasn't pampering me, unfortunately. My shoulder was giving me fits and when it does that I have to sit perfectly still until it goes away. It's hard to get this girl to sit still for that long! But hey, it's over and done with now and I can enjoy my week.

I did want to share this in honor of all you mean moms out there! After all, MOM stands for mean old mother. Or did you know that already?

"The Meanest Mother"

I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids atecandy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs or toast. When others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you can guess, my supper was different than the other kids' also. But at least, I wasn't alone in my sufferings. My sister and two brothers had the same mean mother as I did.

My mother insisted upon knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were on a chain gang. She had to know who our friends were and where we were going. She insisted if we said we'd be gone an hour, that we be gone one hour or less--not one hour and one minute.

I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually spanked us. Not once, but each time we had a mind of our own and did as we pleased. That poor belt was used more on our seats than it was to hold up Daddy's pants. Can you imagine someone actualy hitting a child just because he disobeyed? Now you can begin to see how mean she really was.

We had to wear clean clothes and take a bath. The other kids always wore their clothes for days. We reached the height of insults because she made our clothes herself, just to save money. Why, oh why, did we have to have a mother who made us feel different from our friends? The worst is yet to come.

We had to be in bed by nine each night and up at eight the next morning. We couldn't sleep till noon like our friends. So while they slept-my mother actually had the nerve to break the child-labor law. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make beds, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things. I believe she laid awake at night thinking up mean things to do to us.

She always insisted upon us telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, even if it killed us- and it nearly did. By the time we were teen-agers, she was much wiser, and our life became even more unbearable. None of this tooting the horn of a car for us to come running. She embarrassed us to no end by making our dates and friends come to the door to get us. If I spent the night with a girlfriend, can you imagine she checked on me to see if I were really there. I never had the chance to elope to Mexico. That is if I'd had a boyfriend to elope with. I forgot to mention, while my friends were dating at the mature age of 12 and 13, my old fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15 and 16. Fifteen, that is, if you dated only to go to a school function. And that was maybe twice a year.

Through the years, things didn't improve a bit. We could not lie in bed, "sick" like our friends did, and miss school. If our friends had a toe ache, a hang nail or serious ailment, they could stay home from school. Our marks in school had to be up to par. Our friends'report cards had beautiful colors on them, black for passing, red for failing. My mother being as different as she was, would settle for nothing less than ugly black marks. As the years rolled by, first one and then the other of us was put to shame. We were graduated from high school.

With our mother behind us, talking, hitting and demanding respect, none of us was allowed the pleasure of being a drop-out. My mother was a complete failure as a mother. Out of four children, a couple of us attained some higher education. None of us have ever been arrested, divorced or beaten his mate. Each of my brothers served his time in the service of this country. And whom do we have to blame for the terrible way we turned out? You're right, our mean mother. Look at the things we missed. We never got to march in a protest parade, nor to take part in a riot, burn draft cards, and a million and one other things that our friends did. She forced us to grow up into God-fearing, educated, honest adults.

Using this as a background, I am trying to raise my three children. I stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my children call me mean. Because, you see, I thank God, He gave me the meanest mother in the whole world.

Friday's Feast

2008-05-09T11:11:00.005-04:00

Appetizer

When someone smiles at you, do you smile back?

Oh yes! Usually I am the one walking around with a goofy smile on my face and then I wonder why people are smiling at me! Haha! I'm a dork for sure! But a happy one.

Soup

Describe the flooring in your home. Do you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, a mix?

It's mostly carpeted with vinyl in the bathrooms and the foyer. Nothing too fancy or exciting!

Salad

Write a sentence with only 5 words, but all of the words have to start with the first letter of your first name.

Arthritis aches are always annoying! Hey, that's pretty good, don'tcha think?

Main Course

Do you know anyone whose life has been touched by adoption?

You betcha! Me, for one. I have three kids. Two daughters and a son. And yes, they were siblings before we adopted them. My husband also has a brother and a sister that's adopted. And I have two nieces and a nephew that are adopted. But I don't remember which one's are adopted because they're all family, right? Right!

Dessert

Name 2 blue things.

First off, these are some great questions this week!

Okay, well blue is like the most awesomest color ever in the whole widest of worlds! Raise your hands if you agree. Yay for you!

My two blue things are:

I have been told my eyes are a beautiful shade of blue. And no, I don't stare in the mirror looking at them!

And one other thing that I enjoy that is blue is NOS! It is my favorite drink and I so enjoy looking at the pretty blue can as I drink it!

I won't be around much today because my daughter is getting four wisdom teeth pulled. If you think about it would you please say a prayer for her today? Thank you!

A Little More About Me

2008-05-05T14:59:00.007-04:00

May is Arthritis Awareness Month so I thought I might post a few facts so you can learn more about me! Also, how cool is it that the awareness ribbon is blue? If you know me at all you know that anything blue makes me have a goofy smile. Even my arthritis ribbon!

Okay....on with the teaching!

Here are a few common misconceptions about arthritis:

1. The most common misconception is that arthritis is an old person's disease.

Arthritis is not age or gender specific. There are over 100 different types of arthritis and related rheumatic conditions.

I have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and was diagnosed at ten years old. It started out with my one of my wrists hurting and then it went from one joint to the next until everything, but my back was affected. I am so thankful for this!

2. Arthritis is induced by a cold, wet climate.

The truth is that climate is neither the cause, nor the cure.

People have theorized that arthritis is caused by a cold, wet climate. Moving to a warm, dry climate has been regarded by some as the cure. So my question is - Does anyone in California have arthritis? Yes, they do. I have relatives out there that have it. And bone rubbing on bone after cartilage has worn away causes pain in any climate! Ouchers!!

3. Arthritis is caused by a poor diet.

There is no scientific evidence though that specific foods prevent or cause arthritis. Good diet does not prevent arthritis. Unless a person is found to have a particular food allergy which causes their arthritis to flare, there is no proven direct link between a particular food source and arthritis.

This of course does not mean that I can eat whatever I want such as Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake and endless bottles of NOS! I know that when I am eating healthier and have some of this weight off me it certainly makes things easier! But then again, we're all like that, aren't we?

4. Arthritis can be cured.

As of today, there is no known cure for the disease. Much has been discovered in terms of better treatment options and slowing down the disease progression, but nothing yet has been found to successfully halt the disease. Since there are so many different types of arthritis, the prognosis varies.

I would love to see a cure for arthritis, especially for our future children! But I would love to see a cure first for Parkinson's, cancer, Aids and so many other life threatening diseases.

5. Arthritis consists of only minor aches and pains.

Honestly, it drives me crazy to see those commercials where the person can't play tennis or ride their horse until they've taken their pill! Reality for many of us is we can't walk to the bathroom or put on a shirt or even scratch an itch until we've taken our pills. No, no. We are not looking for sympathy or pity. Just an understanding that a pill can't make us run and jump, etc. That would be nice, but it ain't gonna happen!

6. "You felt fine yesterday....why so tired today?"

Since arthritis is a disease characterized by periods of flares and remissions, it is difficult for family and friends to comprehend why they feel so much better or so much worse on any particular day.

The inconsistency of arthritis can even lead some people to believe the disease is "all in your head".

For me something as simple as lifting a pitcher of Kool Aid (strawberry is my favorite!) can make my shoulder go berserk and hurt for days. The thing is I just don't always know what's going to make it better or worse. Sometimes I have to just do and pay the price later. I'd rather have fun and enjoy life and be laid up for a few days then constantly afraid of doing anything. A little pain never hurt anybody! LOL.

7. "You have arthritis.....you can't....."

"The limitations which arthritis imposes on an individual can cause people closest to them to become overprotective. Sometimes people do too much to try and help the person with arthritis. The disease does interfere with some physical ability, but certainly the arthritic person should not be viewed as totally dependent and invalid.

A certain amount of help and dependence is likely to be required. It must be remembered though that it is best to maintain as much independence as possible for both physical and emotional reasons."

We arthritics can be quite stubborn and proud too! I like to try, even if it's going to hurt. And then if I cry or pout you can scold me. ;o)

For me personally....I know God doesn't give me anything more than I can handle. Some days are rougher than others, but He provides the resources. It's up to me to seek them out.

Hugs to one and all this fine day!

Another Fun Filled Friday!

2008-05-02T10:16:00.004-04:00

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

236. Blessed by the warm and breezy weather we've been having. Not too hot and not too cold. Just right! Haha...as I am typing this it has started to rain big time!! But that's okay because it will just make everything that much greener!

237. I love my meetings with my pastor and his wife. I enjoy the one on one counseling. I am learning so much and it's nice to be held accountable too. I have homework each week that keeps me digging in the Word of God and learning more about my Lord!

238. I went out last night with my husband, daughter and our two employees (who are like sons) and saw Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr! I thought it was fantatsic. It was nice to be out with everyone and I couldn't help but be happy for Robert Downey Jr and am thankful he is clean and sober now. I pray that he continues to do so. It can't be easy. It also reminds me that even though I take many precribed medicines I have never been addicted to dependent on any of them.

239. I am blessed this week with getting a lot accomplished. I have been so far behind in my work for our company and while I have lots still to do I was pleased with being able to steadily work for several days in a row!

240. I was blessed this week with a chance to sit down with a dear friend and just open my heart for about thirty minutes. She's a wonderful listener and a great support. Sometimes we just need a shoulder to cry on, huh?

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

What was your favorite cartoon when you were a child?

Hands down it was Hoshi Moto. Has anyone else ever heard of it? My husband thinks I'm crazy and there was no such cartoon. It was about a little Japanese mouse and his family.

Soup

Pretend you are about to get a new pet. Which animal would you pick, and what would you name it?

I think about this all the time. My husband would love it if we could somehow have a giraffe that stood about three feet tall. Wouldn't that be cute? I could take him in the car with me like I do my bulldog. I would name my new pet Girrafael for a boy and Girrafella for a girl! ;o)

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy getting all dressed up for a special occasion?

Only because of my arthritis I will say a 5. The only shoes I can wear are tenny bops and I have so many scars all over my body that sometimes I am self concious of them. But that doesn't mean I don't love to go to the symphany or someplace formal. Then I wear my classy black tennis shoes! LOL!!

Main Course

What kind of music do you listen to while you drive?

I love ALL kinds of music. It depends on what kind of mood I am in. If I just want to have fun with the kids then we put in their music and bop along. If I need lifted up I listen to christian music, preferrably 4Him. And if I am reliving my teenage years, well folks, you know who it is...Donny Osmond!! And sometimes when I fel like a rebel I put on Queen or Bon Jovi and really rock the house. Nothing like seeing a 43 year old broad rocking out in her mini van!

Dessert

When was the last time you bought a clock? And in which room did you put it?

I just bought my mother a new clock for Christmas. She needed the very basic alarm clock. Too many of them are now way too fancy for her to figure out how to work them. ;o)

Thursday Thirteen

2008-05-01T11:05:00.003-04:00

Today is the National Day of Prayer.

13 Things I Am Praying For

1. The upcoming election. No matter what my political views are I pray that the right person is elected for our country.

2. My children's future spouses. I started praying for my future son-in-laws and daughter-in-law when we first adopted our kids. It's never to early to pray for this!

3. My friends in Blogville. I love the fact that we can share our requests and it's a privilege to pray for one another.

4. The success of our business. We love what we do, but only if it's the Lord's will.

5. Our pastors and leaders of the church. I know there is a whole lot more to running the church than I will ever know. They need our support and our prayers daily!

6. Our service men and women. So many of them are young and many of them have families that they've left to serve our country. I get choked up thinking about them.

7. My family. All families have problems of some sort. I have lots and lots of people in my family if I count both sides. The older we get the more problems we inherit!

8. My church family. I love each and every one of them. They have been so supportive and encouraging to me over the years. I know they lift me up in prayer daily and that's what keeps me going!

9. This may seem silly to some, but I pray for the little things like a close parking space, a good Kroger ad when I have the money to stock up, and when I'm in the car I pray for just the right song to touch my heart or be just what I need for that moment.

10. I pray for wisdom and words. I don't always know how to handle a situation I am not familiar with. I want to keep glorifying God even when I've been thrown a curve ball.

11. And when I mess up in my life because I haven't been prepared I pray for forgiveness from my Heavenly Father. He always forgives and let's me start fresh!

12. I pray for those that do not know Christ as their own personal Saviour. I know what He's done in my life and I want to be able to share with others if they want to hear!

13. And many times my prayers are just full of praise for the many blessings I am given daily!

My Own Reality

2008-04-29T12:02:00.001-04:00

It's confession time.

I usually don't worry about what others think of me. I've noticed the older I get the less I care about what people are saying behind my back!

The one thing I try not to post too much about is my daily reality of living with arthritis. My fear is that if I write too much about it I will come across as always complaining or a whiner. Neither of those is appealing. To you or to me!

I started blogging when I was physically and emotionally spent. God knew I needed an outlet for my pain. I didn't even know what a blog was at the time! But step by step He helped me through and before long I was posting and making wonderful friends!

And what an encouragement you have all been! You've been there for me when my father died. When I had my first kidney stone. Then my second. And the third! And you lifted me up in prayer many times for my hip surgeries and other concerns I've had throughout the past.

I guess what I am seeking is maybe understanding of what I live with from day to day. I want a chance to express my pain, my frustrations and my accomplishments. And I can through this wonderful world I call Blogville.

I have been absent from Blogville for many days now because I had a major flare up with my arthritis. I spent a week sitting on the bed while others fed me and kept me going until I could move again. No fun for me or for those that have to take care of me.

When I mention arthritis do you think of it as the kind old people get? You know, the aches and pains we have here and there. Even some of you younger folks are feeling it too, aren't you? You know what I'm talking about!

Well, that is not the kind I have. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) when I was ten years old. I am now forty three. Do I act my age? No! I use the excuse that I have juvenile arthritis so I am allowed to be immature. ;o) And sometimes I laugh at the most inappropriate times. Again, the juvenile excuse gets played. But that in itself is a whole other post!

Okay, so I guess what I want you to know about me is that:

1. I hurt 24/7/365. Sometimes it is all over my body and sometimes it's only three of four joints giving me fits. The pain is always there. There is no escape from it. So while I tend to keep a smile on my face once in awhile there's a grimace or two.

2. My range of motion in any of my joints is severely limited. I am unable to wash my hair without the use of a handy dandy gadget my hubby made for me. I cannot put on my own socks or shoes. Which really I don't mind because I like to be barefoot! I tend to wear loose baggy clothes because that is what I am able to put on myself. Big deal, I was never into fashion anyway! And if I have an itch I may ask you to scratch it because more than likely I will not be able to get to it. Thanks in advance!

3. When I shop I always get the electric scooter. I used to be self concious of it, but now I just want to enjoy my time out and find as many bargains as possible! And I may not be able to run a marathon or play tennis, but boy can I cheer you on! God gave me a big mouth and a great whistle!

4. And because I am slow in the moving department this means that I can sit and listen to you. I can pray with you. I can be your shoulder to cry on or your friend when you need to vent. I'm a great friend that way!

5. If I post about my aches and pains please just bare with me. Blogging is one way to release my frustrations without unleashing them on my family. You have a choice whether to read it or not! I'm not looking for sympathy. I do know and understand that there are so many others facing far more difficult challenges than I ever will. I know that and I am thankful that God hasn't given me more than I can handle. He keeps His promises! And without my Lord and Saviour I would never be able to keep laughing through my tears. I give Him all the glory for He is good to me, even though I don't deserve it.

Thank you for caring about me and being my friend. I really do love all of you that stop by to see me! You mean more to me than you'll ever know. Really.

Full Friday!

2008-04-18T12:24:00.002-04:00

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

231. Last Saturday night we had snow. Early this morning we had an earthquake! 5.3 on the Richtor scale. Kinda scary when you're not used to 'em! Today I am enjoying 80 degree weather with a slight breeze! Perfect weather if you ask me. I have the door open to my office and am thrilled to see green, hearing the birds chirp and smell the charcoal grill! Yep, we are grilling out for lunch again today. Chicken is on the menu this time. My favorite!

232. My mother had her second cataract surgery this week and did beautifully! Plus her diabetes is staying under control too. I hope to have my momma arond a long, long time!

233. A couple of weeks ago my SIL's father, Tom, had most of his pancreas removed because he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was given about a year to live if he had the surgery. We just received a call from him and he told us that the doctors misdiagnosed him and he does NOT have cancer! Yes, several people have already focused on the fact that he had surgery and it was a terrible and frightening misdiagnosis. But Tom is rejoicing in the fact that he does NOT have cancer and unless the Lord has other plans for him Tom should be around a long time!

We have to remember Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

We may not understand it at the time, but we have that promise in Him!

234. My husband and I are still struggling. I have been going to counseling for awhile now to learn how to handle his anger. One thing my pastor always reminds me of my situations is ~ Hard is just hard. It's not bad.

There are days I don't think I can take it anymore, but I remind myself that God's hand is in it. God is up to something good! And to be involved in that something good that's headed our way!

235. I do consider it a blessing that God has allowed this tough time into my life. He has me right in the palm of His hand! He wants to mold me into the image of Him. I fail miserably every day, but isn't it wonderful to know that I can go straight to Him and confess my sins and all is forgiven? He never turns His back on me. So why should I try everything my way first? It hasn't worked so far!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

Name a color you find soothing.

While blue is my most very favoritest color of them all I don’t consider it soothing because blue just makes me smile too much! Yes, I am strange. I find that a really soft yellow makes me calm and mellow.

Soup

Using 20 or less words, describe your first driving experience.

Learning to drive a stick was a special time between my father and I because he was a patient man!

Ha! And you thought I wouldn’t keep it to under 20 words or less. LOL!

Salad

What material is your favorite item of clothing made out of?

Do pajama’s count? I bought an over sized Minnie Mouse nightgown at Disneyland on our honeymoon, which was almost 24 years ago! Over the years of wearing it and washing it so often has made it very thin, but oh so comfy! It’s too see through to wear around my son now. It is so soft that even my hubby tried it on just to be silly one night and he understood why I love to wear it so much! I had to fight him to get it back! Not really.

Main Course

Who is a great singer or musician who, if they were to come to your town for a concert, you would spend the night outside waiting for tickets to see?

Those of you that know me will think I am going to say my man, Donny Osmond, but I am not! Now don’t pass out on me just yet peeps! I would spend the night outside to buy tickets for my very favorite Christian group 4Him! Sadly, they are no longer together because God has called them to different ministries, which really is a good thing since they are following His will.

Have you ever noticed when you listen to Christian music it’s hard to stay in a bad mood or feel down? I like to focus on God’s promises and His plan for me!

Dessert

What is the most frequent letter of the alphabet in your whole name (first, middle, maiden, last, etc.)?

This question was interesting to me. The most frequent letter in my name is “I”. I have five of them if I include my maiden name. And I use 14 letters of the alphabet in my name. That was more than I thought I would!

If you are still reading this I say THANK YOU! What is one blessing you've had this week?

Wordless Wednesday - Yeah, right!

2008-04-16T14:44:00.003-04:00

One of my daily stops each day (besides you!) is the live Giraffe Cam! Someday I want to visit this zoo as well and feed my friends. They also have a Meerkat cam too. You know I love my giraffes and I was excited to see a little one in the bunch!

Have a wonderful day everybody. I'm going back to watching one of God's many creations!

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

2008-04-14T17:42:00.001-04:00

No matter how lousy my day can get all I have to do is bring up YouTube and listen to a baby truly laughing from the heart!

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

2008-04-11T16:28:00.003-04:00

226. What a blessing it was to spend the whole day with my daughter on our shopping excursion. Even if we didn't find the great deals it would have been a blessing because it was time with just her! Now I need to make a date with my other two kids for some one on one time.

227. Blessed with gor-ja-mous weather today! We had lots of needed rain yesterday and today we basked in the warmth of the sun. And had a barbeque at lunch with our employees. FUN!

228. I sit at my desk in amazement everyday. Last year at this time I was bedridden and in tears the whole day because it was just to painful to even exist. I am blessed with freedom of pain and the ability to help at the shop again and have a clear sense of mind to actually do the work my husband needs me to do! So very thankful to my Lord for seeing me through!

229. Blessed by my momma everyday! She drives me crazy at times because she calls so often to see how I am feeling, but I am thankful for her. She cares very much for me and unlike my father, she is still here on earth and I am able to hear her sweet voice everyday ask, "Are you hurting today honey?" And then she sighs when she hears my answer and then says, "Then I just need to pray that much harder for you. I'll get down on my knees right now." I am loved!

230. Even though this has nothing at all to do with me directly I feel blessed in seeing God's hand in people's lives. My aunt had to have emergency surgery due to an appendicitis and developed an infection, my cousin had a lung collapse and was in ICU for many days and my SIL's father had surgery for pancreatic cancer. Through lots of prayer my aunt is doing very well now and back to work. She is almost 70 but you'd never know it. My cousin is totally better now. I still have yet to find out if they know the cause of the collapsed lung. And Tom, my SIL's daddy did AMAZING! He is well into his 70's and again, you would never guess it. His surgery was very long and I really thought he would be in a lot of pain. But nope! He is one tough bird. He's home and moving like he was never cut open!

I wanted to share a couple of food blogs that I have been enjoying. Check 'em out when you have a chance!

A Year of Crockpotting

Cookie Madness

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Reminder: Donny & Marie are hosting the beauty pageant tonight. I know how all of you are into beauty pageants! LOL. But please don't call me because I'll be glued to my television screen. Maybe even licking it!

Thursday Thirteen

2008-04-10T15:48:00.001-04:00

13 DEALS WE FOUND ON OUR SHOPPING SPREE!!

My daughter and I love to spend a day together shopping, eating and being silly. We also enjoy the thrill and the hunt of finding the best deals and using coupons to get stuff for free! It can be addicting, I tell ya.

1. I had many coupons for different food items. And since we didn't want to waste out money buying food we used these for our lunch. One coupon for a free chicken sandwich at Chic-Fil-A. Two free coupons for a lemon ice at Fazoli's. One coupon for a free value basket at Culver's which was a huge double cheeseburger, fries and a large drink. BTW, Culver's has the best tasting root beer! So we had more than enough food between us and was ready to start our shopping spree!!!!

2. Our first stop was Fashion Bug. I had a coupon for $10 off anything as long as I spent $10. Score! I also had a gift card with $4 left on it. They were also having anywhere from 20% to 60% off clearance. Double score! I found a really pretty pink and white striped sweater and an awesome huge black purse with some kind of print on it. I think I am going to give it to my secret pal because she loves purse too! Plus I got a pair of cute socks and I didn't pay any $$$ out for any of it! How cool am I? And I did look kinda cute in my new sweater. ;o)

3. My daughter didn't have any coupons, but she also found a really cool purse similar to mine, only a little more hip. Which is good considering she is only 20! She also signed up to get a charge card so she could receive 15% off her order. She only paid a little over $3 for the bag and a pair of leggings. Makes a momma proud! She also charged her order and then immediately paid it off. She is trying to build credit for herself which is a good idea!

4. Wally World was the next stop. It's not my favorite place to shop, but it's about the only place I can find tennis shoes to fit my wide, flat feet. Sure enough I found a pair and they were only $9.50! Cool beans! I don't spend much on tennis shoes because I am not hard on them at all and I have never been able to tell a difference in the expensive and the cheap. So why pay more?

5. My daughter also found a cute pair of backless tenny bops for $4!! And they were a good name brand. I just can't remember right now.

6. I love going to The Dollar Tree! That was next on our journey and I only spent one dollar and bought a long handled scrub brush for taking my showers. I love it and it is quite useful for me because I have limitations on my range of motion. I should have bought two!

7. Although we did not stop because we were still full from lunch we saw that they have built a Sonic! I have read about Sonic on other blogs and can't wait to try it sometime. Any suggestions on what to get?

8. Next stop you ask...Bed, Bath & Beyond! I needed to buy a wedding gift. Now bear with me on this one because I hope this makes sense. I had received a coupon for 20% off one item in the store. I was also returning an item that I had bought two months ago for $12.99. On the receipt along with the $12.99 item was another purchase for $49.99. With me so far? I picked out a wok to buy for my wedding gift that was on sale for $14.99. I was also having it gift wrapped and shipped directly to them. When I was checking out I noticed the cashier took the 20% off the old receipt of $49.99. I reminded her that I was buying a wok for only $14.99 and that coupon just took $10.00 off my total. She said that was correct! I asked how. She said that it didn't matter how old the receipt was and that if we brought in a coupon they would take it off the highest priced item. I said I felt like I was ripping them off! She said, "No, we want to save you the most money we can and we want to keep your business." So after my return and buying a wok, wrapped and shipped I only spent $2.21!! I will definitely go back and I will be saving ALL my receipts!

9. We were off to the mall to enjoy the rest off our day. My daughter wanted to buy a cell phone cover from one of the kiosks in the middle of the mall. Before she went I taught her to never pay full asking price. You and I both know those covers probably cost a whole fifty cents and they were asking $25.00. Can you believe that? I told her to offer them half, but she got scared and asked if they would take $5 off. Of course they said yes! Grrrr. While she considered it a deal I knew that she could get that little, glittery, pink with hearts piece of plastic for a lot less! Live and learn I guess. She's happy with it and that's all that matters. Plus it was her money so what do I care? LOL!

10. We were getting hungry again so we went to Subway for their foot long subs for $5. We split one and went without a drink because we thought we might splurge and get a smoothie. We had heard that if you ask for the broken cookies at Subway they have to give them to you and no charge. We tried it and it worked! So we each had a couple of broken cookies!

11. With a full tummy we were off again and we went to Old Navy. I needed some prizes for my girls at Awana and I found some! They had the prettiest backpacks on clearance!! Wheeeeee! They were big and sturdy and ever so cheap.....only $2.00 people! I grabbed what was left, which was five and I high-tailed it out of there because I felt like I was robbing the place! And yes, the girls are very happy with them!

12. No shopping trip is complete without stopping by Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret! Raise your hand and shout~You go girl! if you agree with me! Now we did end up spending most of our money there, but a girl has got to smell good, ya know?! We had our coupons and took advantage of their sales. We each got adorable purses filled with three good sized bottles of stuff at VS. And at B&BW we also walked out with a huge bag of soaps, lotions and sprays! I love those stores, don't you?

13. The best deal of my day was getting to spend the entire day with my daughter!!!! I was giddy the whole day through and she kept laughing at me because I would smile and giggle and just be silly in general. I was thrilled, too, because even she was having so much fun spending the day with her old momma!

This was only a few of our bargains found that day! We had our van FULL of packages and honestly, we barely spent any money! What's a great bargain you've found lately?

Wordless Wednesday~Sort Of!

2008-04-09T17:43:00.002-04:00

Meet my kids that I am so thankful for each and every day! They are the sweetest, most thoughtful kids you'll ever know. Many people tell them how blessed they are to have my husband and I for parents, but I always stop them and say, "No, we are the blessed ones!"

10 Minute Tuesday

2008-04-08T10:49:00.002-04:00

Faithful Chick's scripture for today is:

Psalm 139:1-4

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

This passage of scripture can either be comforting or put fear in you.

He knows me. He knows every bit of me.

The day I let my anger take over at a stocker at Wal-mart and I said several things I shouldn't to her. He knows about it.

The day I had a temperature and didn't feel well and used that as an excuse for my ugly behavior towards my family. He knows about it.

The day I was buying items for the local food shelter and was happy to do so until I started thinking selfishly and wanting praise from man. He knows about it.

The day I was given back too much change at the drugstore and I noticed the mistake and gave it back. He knows about it. He also knows that my first thought was ~ it's less than a dollar and I don't have time to mess with it right now so I'll just keep it.

I rest in the fact of how knowledgeable He is about my every move and thought. When I do make these mistakes I can go to Him and confess these sins and ask for forgiveness. And He does forgive.

I know that He loves me more than anyone ever could. Yep, even more than my own mother!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

FUN MONDAY

2008-04-07T15:44:00.008-04:00

This is my very first Fun Monday! Today's FM is being hosted by Jo Beaufoix and she asks “I want to know about your first ‘celebrity’ crush. You know, the one you fancied from that band, or that film, or who read the news, or who won Gold at the Olympics.”

Now some of you don't know me, but those that do will automatically think I am going to say this cutie pie. Nope, not for my very first crush. Shocker, I know!

It was Steve McQueen that stole my little ole heart when I saw him in The Great Escape. Now, I would have only been a year old when that movie came out so I don't know when I saw it, but I do know I was no older than six when I "discovered" him.

Having a brother and a father that loved any kind of action movie meant I saw all kinds of things that I probably shouldn't at such a young age. So I saw this fine hunk of a man in The Great Escape, Bullit, Papillon and The Towering Inferno all before I was ten years old.

Don't you love his rugged, handsome good looks? Me too! Yum, yum, give me some! LOL!

Blessings & Friday's Feast

2008-04-04T14:42:00.005-04:00

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

221. Blessed to be among the living again! I have been to work every single day this week and have been able to go to church both on Sunday and Wednesday! I even took a business trip with my husband to Ohio for a couple of days!

222. I like this number! Does anyone remember the tv show Room 222? I loved that show so much as a little girl. I thought Karen Valentine was the prettiest actress I had ever seen. So I'll say my blessing is receiving some dvd's from my secret pal at church of one of my other favorite shows The Monkees! I can't wait to watch them with my kids. I bet they will like these more than they liked my Donny & Marie dvd's. Go figure!

223. Blessed with much need rain. Everything is starting to green up a bit more!

224. I've recently bumped into several friends and have been surprised at the feuding going on between brothers and sisters. It's so very sad. I am blessed with two wonderful families where everyone always gets along. They really do!

225. There are so many amazing stories going on in people's lives that they are willing to share in Blogville. I am inspired, encouraged and blessed to be able to pray for these families and be allowed to see how God works in their lives. Thank you for letting me be part of yours!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

Invent a new flower; give it a name and describe it.

I would name my flower~DaBluems...of course, they are a beautiful shade of blue! It never needs watering. It smells like pineapples...Mmmm! And you know what's best about my flower? You can actually eat it. Yep, that's right. And it tastes of fresh pineapple and is a whole lot cheaper too. Oh yeah, it has no calories either!

Sometimes people ask me what color the sky is in my world!

Soup

Name someone whom you think has a wonderful voice.

Besides Donny? My husband, David, has a beautiful voice and can sing anything. He really can! He's very talented. If I ever figure out how to put it on my blog I will add one of his cd's he made for me. Then you can all hear and judge for yourself.

Salad

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how clean do you keep your car?

If it weren't for taking my precious Woo with us everywhere then it would have to be a 9, but nope. Let's just say we stay stocked up on duct tape because her hair is so short and hard to sweep up so we use the tape!

Main Course

How do you feel about poetry?

Honestly, I've never given it much thought

Because poetry is a book I have never bought

But I suppose if I were to give it a try

I might laugh or even cry

Now you've got me wondering a thing or two

Is poetry something I could do?

Dessert

What was the last person/place/thing you took a picture of?

Last night at Crawfordsville High School we had a big hoopla for our homie Luke Menard who was in the final 8 guys on American Idol. He is quite good looking in person I must admit!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-02T13:35:00.001-04:00

This is my very first WW and I knew I wouldn't be able to keep my mouth shut! Surprise.

Meet David Joseph. In this picture he is just one day old! Look how serious he looks...lol! David is the first child for some our very dear friends and I can't wait to meet him!

For more WW participants stop by 5 Minutes for Mom.

Thursday Thirteen

2008-03-27T14:17:00.002-04:00

13 REASONS WHY I HAVEN'T POSTED MUCH LATELY

1. Since I keep my blog a secret from my family it's hard to find time when I don't have someone peeking over my shoulder and not minding their own business! Therefore, no posts.

2. I'd much rather read about all of your lives then try to think of something to write about. Not much exciting stuff going on here.

3. Having taken six weeks off to de-rid my body of kidney stones you could say that I am kinda behind in my work. House and job. Oh well, there's always tomorrow to caught up!

4. I've been busy watching American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, Jon & Kate plus 8, and re-runs of Little House on the Prairie. And Friends!

5. Spending too much time on e-Bay buying all the Donny Osmond memoribilia I can find.

6. My children are talkers. Yes, they are older....21,19 and 17. They talk more now than when they were little. No wonder my ears get so dirty. I sure do alot of listening. Some day I am going to tell them my ears are full now. Go find someone else to listen!

7. Now don't take that the wrong way people. Trust me. I spend hours upon hours listening. So another reason I haven't posted much is because I have also been an ear for a couple friends who are going through some rough times. I do care about everyone, even if it doesn't sound like it!

8. Several of our customers have come to the shop this week to check out their cars. I didn't think it would be too appropriate to ignore them so I could blog!

9. Seriously, I have spend way too much time at Wal-mart lately. Not because I enjoy shopping there, but our Wal-mart is just way too big and not laid ouit very well at all. Even when I use an electric scooter and only have three items on my list it can take an hour to get in and out of there! Seriously.

10. Now on the other hand I have spend way too much time shopping at Fashion Bug and Goody's because I received some unbelievable coupons and they each have awesome clearance and my girls love their clothes. So this is justified!

11. Not enough time in the day to blog and go potty every ten minutes! Hey, at least I know my kidneys are working well! Yeah, yeah...TMI.

12. Spending too much time singing God Bless the USA after hearing Kristy Lee Cook sing it on American Idol. I may not sing as well as her, but I have more personality. Sorry Kristy supporters, but I hope she goes home next week!

13. I would blog, but I'm still peeling Peeps off the carpets, walls, countertops, clothes and Easter baskets. Man are those things sticky!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND Y'ALL!

Happy Monday Y'all!

2008-03-24T14:09:00.006-04:00

I love meeting and talking to all my peeps in Blogville, but I spend so much time visiting I rarely post anything. I always feel the need to post something and I usually steal someone's meme so I can at least feel like I accomplished something for the day! LOL!! I saw this at Stacey's and I love knowing random tidbits about y'all so please leave me a comment and answer one or two of these questions. Oops, forgot to say please. Please!

randomness…feed your mind and your blog

This week marks the 100th post of the Randomness Meme. Here’s this week’s questions:

1. What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Oh, how I do love me some ice cream! My favorite as of late has been chocolate with strawberries on top. Mmmmm, so good! And I've noticed that as I get older I am really enjoying the flavors I thought I would never eat like plain vanilla or maple pecan. Flavors like those remind me of my grandparents. Yikes! I am showing my age, aren't I?

2. What shampoo do you use? I've always been a cheapskate so my shampoo is whatever I have a coupon for. My latest is Sunsilk in the blue bottle. It's usually over $3 a bottle, but with my coupon and a sale I got it for around fifty cents! Sad, but true.

3. How do you like your eggs? With a side of bacon and some toast! Hehe! I love them all kinds of ways....over medium so the yolk is still runny and you can sop it up with your toast, or scrambled with salsa on it, or I love deviled eggs and could probably eat a dozen of them. No, I have never tried. The most I have ever eaten is three and that's only because deviled eggs don't last long around these parts.

4. What’s the first thing you do when you get online? Bring up my blog and start on my sidebar and visit all my friends to see if they are okay! Then I bring up my e-mail and see if I have any customers yellling at me and if I don't then I get on MSNBC and check out all the latest happenings.

5. What is your favorite tv show? It's hard to pick just one! I love my American Idol, Little People, Big World. Jon & Kate plus 8, and I love watching Diners, Drive In's and Dives on the Food Network. A little diner near us was featured on that show!

6. Which do you prefer, the sunrise or the sunset? Because I am not a morning person I have only seen a couple of sunrises. So I will say sunset and I prefer seeing them with my hubby.

7. When is the last time you went to the mall? It has been forever and a day since I've been to a tried and true mall. It's been at least two years since I've been to one. But now that I am getting better maybe I need to go and practice my walking....and shopping!

8. What was the last food that you ate? Well, I just ate my lunch that we brought from home. It was some lemon pepper chicken, carrots, mashed potatos and a few bites of lemon cake. And what's even better is my husband made it all!

9. What is your favorite animal? Duh. Do I even need to say? I have also really been enjoying polar bears and panda bears lately too. I've been seeing them a lot on television and they are just too funny to watch!

10. Do you collect anything? Do I ever. And some I don't even try, like dust bunnies! I collect Noah's Ark, dolls from when I was a kid such as Thumbelina and antique dolls, Christmas ornaments, and then I know this is a weird one, but I love socks. I'm always buying the cute ones with flowers or ladybugs or butterflies on them. Don't laugh. You already knew I wasn't quite right in the head!

Thank You Jesus

2008-03-21T17:37:00.002-04:00

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Motivation

2008-03-18T15:04:00.005-04:00

I feel lazy, oh so lazy!

This is exactly what I want to do today! Only I don't look as cute...lol! I just have no energy whatsoever and I have so much work I need to get done. Having another kidney stone just really set me back as far as work goes and even on my rehabilitation on my hippies. I'm still using crutches for longer walks just because my back gives out if I walk too far. Bah, I should not be griping. Don't you just want to cyber slap my hand and say ~ Get Over It? Yeah, I would too.

There are many wonderful things happening around me though:

My niece in California is in the hospital and will hopefully have her baby girl sometime today! I think Amy would be a lovely name, don't you?

It's raining quite a bit and even though it is dreary we need the moisture. Hopefully things will start greening up soon! That will help me get motivated to start spring cleaning...how about you?

I had my stint pulled out yesterday so now I don't have to go potty every ten minutes! Yay! I know you needed to know that little tidbit. ;o)

I got an unbelievable deal on my favorite drink, NOS. I went into the store and noticed they sold four packs. They didn't have a price so my son scanned them. The scanner said $1.69. Well, I knew that wasn't so because one can is normally $1.99, which is ridiculous I know. Plus there was a dollar off coupon. I told the manager that this was not the correct price and he said that since it was their mistake I could have them. So I was able to buy five 4 packs at .69 cent each! That made each delicious can only seventeen cents!!

And I just read where Donny & Marie will host the Miss USA pageant on April 11th! I do love me some Osmond's, but I'll have to admit that every where I turn there they are. Am I the only one that's noticed this new Osmania?

And American Idol is on tonight! Yipee! Who will get kicked off this week? Please, oh please let it be Kristy Lee Cook. I know I haven't even seen her performance yet, but I'm entitled to my opinion, right? Anybody else agree? Or do you all actually have a life outside of reality television?

I need to end on a happy note! Let me ask a question.....

What's been your greatest blessing this week?

Speed Demon

2008-03-15T18:19:00.002-04:00

125 words

Speedtest

Not bad, huh? My husband's always amazed at how fast I can type with three fingers. Hey, at least I can do something quick! LOL!

How about you? What did you score? Did ya beat me?

Childhood

2008-03-11T16:40:00.003-04:00

Honestly, do you ever wish to be a child again? I sure do. I long to enjoy another warm summer afternoon playing outside with all my friends.

Taking turns rolling down the hill as fast as we can. Getting grass stains on our cotton white shorts. But who cared, we were having fun!

Running barefoot in the soft silky grass. Having to watch our footsteps to avoid the bumblebees resting on the clover. But who cared, we were loving every minute of it!

Riding our bikes all through the neighborhood without worry. No helmet, no shoes. But who cared, we were innocent back then.

Gathering all the neighborhood kids in the back yard for a game of Red Rover. We all got a long. Mom would bring out a pitcher of cherry Kool Aid. We were sweaty and stinky and dirty as could be. But who cared, we were being kids!

I had a great childhood. I knew I was loved. I had it easy. My chores were feeding my pets and keeping my room tidy. That's it. Sigh! I long for those days, don't you?

Baby Bye Bye Bye

2008-03-09T15:08:00.002-04:00

It's hard to say goodbye....sometimes. This week we said goodbye to Luke Menard. Sad, but true. Why did he decide to sing a Wham song? Gives me chills every time I think about it. And not in a good way! Even though he was my homeboy he needed to go home. We still have one Hoosier in the competition. Amanda Overmyer. I did enjoy her this week, but I don't think she will go far. Good Luck!

I also said goodbye to my kidney stone on Friday!! And I also said goodbye to my pee bag!!!! I have to admit I am missing it because now I have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Am I ever happy?

The only thing that was bad on Friday was it took over twenty sticks to get an IV started. They had three men working on me at the same time in the operating room trying to find a vein. It was very painful and I cried. A lot. But it's over! At least until the next one.

Now I need to schedule another surgery to get my ovarian cyst removed. If I have it soon I will have had six surgeries in a year and a half. Whew! That's quite a few, but it is a good reminder of how far I've come and how good God is to me!

I'm ready to say Hello to the outside world again and see what's happening on earth. I hear there is a political race going on. I've also heard tell that Donny Osmond is in a movie! I gotta get out more often.

Tuesday This 'N That

2008-03-04T14:43:00.002-05:00

Have you noticed that a lot of bloggers aren't posting as regularly as they used to? I hope their lives are just busy and their families are coming first. I miss you guys....you know who you are!

Tonight is American Idol!!!! I get the jitters about an hour before it starts. I love the guys so much more than the girls. Luke better bring it tonight; otherwise he's a goner. Even our bulldog stops and watches some of the singers! I don't know if she thinks it's her daddy because he sings all the time or she is a fan of the show...lol! GO LUKE!

Michelle at Big Blueberry Eyes has posted lots of new pics of her baby boy this week. He is so adorable you just want to squeeze him! And his new big sister, Kayla, is being a big helper too. I can't believe how big she looks now that Lucas is here.

Two of my blogging friends posted about holding their little girls' hands and wondering how much longer they would get to since they are growing up. I understand the feeling since my girls are now 21 and 19! But the good news is that they still love to hold my hand...even in public! When we sit together in church they'll hold it and even when we're walking around the mall. And even when they see a friend they won't drop my hand like a hot potato. Nope. So do not fear moms of little girls!

Even if you are not into space and all that jazz I highly recommend watching In The Shadow Of The Moon. We bought it because my husband is huge into anything NASA. We went and saw it in the theatre too and it is just amazing to watch and just so heart touching to hear the astronauts tell of their experiences.

My surgery is coming up on Friday. Finally!! Get that kid rock out of there. The hospital is 1 1/2 hours away and we have to be there at 5:30 am. Sadness! But at least that means I don't have to wait as long until I can have a drink. Non alcoholic of course. That came out wrong. Ahh, you know what I mean!

Please pray that they can find a vein easily for my IV. When they attached this bag to my back last month it took nine sticks before they found a vein in my pinky finger. And it wasn't a very big one either, but as least they got one! This is the only thing I dread before surgery. Thanks!

Thanks for stopping by today! Don't forget to watch American Idol and vote for your favorite guy. Such as Luke, maybe! At least help him get into the top twelve..please! Don't you want the camera crews to come to Crawfordsville so I can be on television and say HI to all of you? I promise I won't say, "Hi Mom" like everyone else does. I'll say, "Hello Blogville!" A promise is a promise!!

Confession Is Good For The Soul

2008-02-29T08:40:00.002-05:00

I have to come clean with y'all. As you know Luke Menard is from my little old hometown of Crawfordsville, Indiana. And while he is not my favorite, I do hope he makes it to the final twelve.

What I have kept a secret is that Amanda Overmyer used to work here in Crawfordsville at Crash McClain's. I am not sure if she lived here, but am assuming she did. I am not a fan of hers at all. I cannot believe she was not cut last night!

If you click on her name you will read an article on MSNBC that she was arrested in Crawfordsville in October 2006 for a DUI. But this is not why I haven't voted for her. I just don't think she can sing!

So see? American Idol is really putting Crawfordsville on the map!

On a final note, did any of you cry when Alaina Whitaker got kicked off? I felt so bad for her. And watching Luke pat David on the back when Alexandrea was singing her final song made me cry too. And then when she left the stage to give him a big old hug made me weep too!

So is it me or is it because I am also PMSing? Just wondering!

Things That Make Me Happy Today

2008-02-26T18:49:00.002-05:00

I'm bored out of my skull today, but then I started thinking about all the things that have made me happy today. It makes me realize that life goes on and that's a good thing. No, it's a great thing!

Michelle from Big Blueberry Eyes had her little boy!! She posted the sweetest pictures of her two precious children. I am so happy for her and Joe! Congrats!!!

My friend Kimmy from Mission Kim Possible posted pictures of her visit with her great niece. Oh, is this baby girl precious! I could just eat her up. But I won't, don't worry!

I got a shower and am feeling fresh again! I know, most people take one everyday and I typically do, but I can't with this thing attached to my back. Not much longer though!

I did get some things accomplished today as far as work goes and that's always a good feeling!

My pastor called to check on me. He and his wife are just wonderful! Very caring folks for sure.

Plus my homie, Luke Menard, is on American Idol tonight!! I hope he livens up a bit this week and shows how good he is. We'll just have to wait and see. Go Luke!

And one more thing that made me happy today...my daughter bought me a new fuzzy wuzzy pillow! Oh, how I love me some pillows! I'll try it out tonight and see if it becomes a favorite.

What made you happy today?

Can You Say Ouch?

2008-02-23T20:19:00.003-05:00

I usually love getting the mail each day. I've been receiving many cards and letters from women at church and long distance relatives. I love getting hand written letters. Nobody does that anymore, do they?

As I was opening my mail I saw a letter from the hospital. I thought to myself ~ I bet they want to see how I am feeling now. Isn't that sweet? Boy did I get a shock when I opened it up to see a bill for $22,320.97!!! For what?

I sat in the emergency room for over six hours waiting on a room. The only thing they did in there was take blood. Oh, and give me a handy dandy bag to vomit in. I had a semi-private room with a woman that cussed at her boyfriend until wee hours in the morning. I guess I did have surgery to attach my precious pee bag! LOL! I had a couple things of antibiotics. But other than that I don't know what else was done for me.

Maybe I was so out of it I just don't remember the pampering and spa treatments and gourmet meals that were fed to me for $22,320.97. Haha!

Praise the Lord I do have insurance! I'm not sure how much they will pay so I'll just have to save all my pennies until then. Plus I still need to show my husband the bill. That's the part I dread the most right now. Not sure how he will react.

Okay, enough about me! So YAY, Luke made it one more week on American Idol!! I hope he rocks the house next week so he can stay awhile, but I'm not sure. There is some hot talent this year. I love, love, love Jason Castro! I had taped the show and I have watched his performance a ton of times. Have you noticed some of the best talent is coming from some real youngsters? Good for them!

And please remember that I am at home with dial up. I am stopping by for visits, but I can't leave too many comments right now because it just takes way too long to download. Looking forward to going back to work so I can have my DSL! :o)

Hope your weekend is going well!

So Not Loving Donny

2008-02-20T19:47:00.002-05:00

I never thought I would say this, but I am not loving Donny today. I just heard him say on Entertainment Tonight that my homie, Luke Menard, should go home!! Now I must admit Luke was not the best. But he certainly was not the worst. My daughter and I voted over and over and over for him last night. I hate that we have to wait until tomorrow to find out. And i forgot to tell you all that Luke is a christian! He's a super guy and I hope he gets at least one more chance to show his stuff. Sigh! Boo Donny!

And one more piece of news on me....I can't have my surgery until March 7th! Sadness. So I get to carry around my pee bag a couple more weeks. Hey, at least I'm saving on toilet paper right now...lol!

Well, I must go because the girls are up on American Idol in just a few minutes. There are two girls from Indiana so we'll see how they do!

Shame on you Donny!

My Homie

2008-02-15T09:24:00.003-05:00

He's no Donny Osmond, but can we all say, "Yowza!" This is Luke Menard and he is from right here in Crawfordsville, Indiana. And HE is in the final 24 of American Idol!!!! Now how cool is that people?

I am grouchy though because I've been watching and they haven't showed him once singing or doing a background story on him. If you think he's good please vote for him!

If you've noticed I haven't been around much lately. Last week I was rushed to the ER. I have yet another kidney stone. Plus ecoli. Not sure how I got that. I had to have a minor surgery to attach a tube in my back so the urine can drain into a bag until I get the ecoli is gone. I will more than likely be having surgery to remove the stone because it is large. You know me. I can never do anything easy!

I also learned from from my cat scan that I have quite a large ovarian cyst and fluid around my heart. Fluid is common for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis so I am not too worried, but need to have it checked out.

So I am back to sitting on the side of my bed working again. In all honesty, I feel really, really bad this time around. I can't eat or concentrate on much of anything. But I'll be alright. Soon I hope.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I'll try to come visit soon!

No Writer's Strike Here

2008-02-05T12:27:00.000-05:00

In the past several weeks I have been given these very sweet awards from my blogging friends! In the midst of my trial I must admit it feels good to know that you all are still with me! I am missing you guys more than you know.

Since I don't have a team of writer's that post for me I guess I'll write my own acceptance speech!

Thank you Donetta! I haven't been a very faithful commenter lately, but I think and pray for you daily. You are an inspiration to me to hold on tight to my faith and count my many blessings!

Thank you to my new friend Faith! I can't even remember how we came upon each other, but I am so thankful we did. I appreciate your encouraging words, challenging posts, and your prayers. Looking forward to building on our friendship!

Thank you to my girl Christine! I only wish the button had giraffes on it! LOL! You know I love you and can't wait to meet you. I wonder if when we get to Heaven we'll get in trouble for being rowdy and talking too much!

And thank you Marina for being my friend! You have had some difficult circumstances that's for sure. You have shown yourself faithful to our Lord and He has blessed you. You are such a sweet lady and beautiful not only on the outside, but inside as well!

And for those ladies that have tagged me for meme's, I promise I am working on them too!

Flashdancing

2008-02-04T15:43:00.000-05:00

Could it be? I'm not quite sure but I may have had my first hot flash. I am only 43 years young people! I was at church talking away, as per the norm. All of the sudden I feel warmth come over me. Mostly in my neck area. Hmmm. Is it hot in here or is it just me?

My daughter looked at me and asked me why I was all red and splotchy. I smiled and said, "My first hot flash! I think." She laughed and said, "Only my mom would be all excited about hotflashes!"

Anybody out there with experience in this area yet? I'm not sure what to expect. Maybe I should do some research. Or blame my hot flashes on my love for you know who! LOL!

Until then I'm keeping my face buried in a bucket of snow. And it feels ever so good!

1000 Blessing's Friday & Friday's Feast

2008-02-01T12:30:00.000-05:00

216. My husband's truck dumped the transmission last week which meant we were down to one car between us. We don't have the money to get it fixed but my blessing is that I have felt well enough to get up and go to work with him each morning! We don't have to be to work until 9:00 am, but sometimes I just don't move too well in the morning so it can take a little longer to get ready.

217. My mother had cataract surgery on Tuesday and I was able to take her to her appointments. She is doing very well and can already see better in that right eye. She'll have the left one done on February 12th. I am blessed in several ways. I can help her now that I can get in and out of the van and also blessed because I have such a terrific mom!

218. I am blessed with a wonderful, caring Pastor. He and his wife continue to counsel me and teach me all I need to know when dealing with my husband. I also have many things I need to work on as a christian. I am memorizing lots of scripture to reflect on when things are being said to me that are hurtful. At first I had a hard time with the memorization, but I stuck to it and I've been able to memorize many verses!

219. We've been blessed with several big orders from customers! We need money badly! Maybe we'll be able to get the truck fixed soon.

220. And what a blessing it is to go to Awana on Wednesday night! We have the sweetest little girl named Whitney that we all adore. She has fetal alchohol syndrome. She struggled with feeding herself, dressing herself, memorization, controlling temper...the list goes on. But what a change we have seen from the beginning of the year until now! We have no trouble with her in class. Ever. I think she has come to know how much we all love her and are there to help her. And she is memorizing her verses too and working so very hard! What a joy she is!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

What is your favorite kind of cereal?

I love cereal as much as I love popcorn! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So it’s hard for me to pick just one. I have always loved the Cap’n, as in CrunchBerries and Peanut Butter Crunch, but I also love me a bowl of Cheerios with bananas or strawberries on top!

Soup

When was the last time you purchased something for your home, what was it, and in which room did it go?

Well, this is an exciting answer…we just bought a new water softener and put in the basement…WooHoo! Wanna feel how soft my hair is now? And it's frizzy too! I hate that water softener.

Salad

What is the funniest commercial you’ve ever seen?

I love how my man always makes it into a Friday's Feast! I love the Pepsi Twist commercial with Ozzy Osborn when his kids "become" Donny & Marie Osmond and then when Ozzy calls for Sharon it's actually Florence Henderson! Now I wouldn't say this is the funniest commercial I've ever seen, but my memory ain't that good so this wil have to do!

Main Course

Make up a name for a company by using a spice and an animal (example: Cinnamon Monkey).

Ginger Giraffe, of course!

Dessert

Fill in the blank: I haven’t ______ since ______.

I haven't been to the bathroom since last night. Maybe I need to drink something! TMI!

Thursday Thirteen

2008-01-31T14:13:00.000-05:00

13 Hospital Stays I've Had So Far

When I was nine I stayed a couple days so the experts could figure out what was wrong with me. Diagnosis - Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Then when I was a teenager in high school I stayed a couple days so the experts could figure out I had pneumonia. Cough. Cough.

Right knee replacement - my first step towards bionicness!

Left knee replacement

Right shoulder replacement

Left shoulder replacement

Right elbow replacement

Left elbow - cleaned out, which led to....

Left elbow replacement

Right hand replacement - not the actual hand, but my fingers, silly!

Kidney stones removed

Right hip replacement

Left hip replacement

Hey, they don't call me the six million dollar woman for nothing! Not because I am so bionic, but because that's probably how much everything cost!

How Time Flies

2008-01-28T20:47:00.000-05:00

What Time Is It?

please click on it!

Cool, huh? Now when you are completely bored you can watch the time fly before your eyes!

Now I am off to enter my name in as many Bloggy Giveaways as I can!!!!!!! Wish me luck!!!

1000 Blessing's Friday & Friday's Feast

2008-01-25T10:20:00.000-05:00

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

211. Even though it was difficult to share my burden on Monday I knew I needed too. I know I have faithful prayer warriors in Blogville and through this I met so many new friends that I can't wait to have the chance to get to know better! Thank you to all for stopping by and taking the time to let me know your thinking and praying for my family. Especially my husband. Your words of encouragement are read daily!

212. I had another counseling session last night with my pastor and his wife. I love them so much and am thankful for their willingness to help. I am thankful for someone to talk to and him showing me from the Bible all the verses I need to be a godly woman. It's not like I didn't know them all ready, but when you are in the middle of a battle it's nice to have someone come along side you and show you where the answers are. Plus with my homework he gives me I'm held accountable each week. I have lots of verses to memorize. My poor brain hasn't worked this much in a long time!

213. We hired two new employees! Two young men that so far are doing a bang up job - not literally. 'Cuz that would be bad for the cars!

214. Today it is -7 degrees. And right now I am at work and under my blanket with a dog on my feet and a space heater to keep me warm. I am blessed with shelter. My heart aches for those that have no wear to go.

215. Each and every day I am blessed with the hugs and kisses from my three children. They are the absolute best and such good kids. They are strong and wise for as young as they are. I know God is teaching them through our situation. I am thankful for their hearts. They could be hardened by all of this and they have not. They are fighting evil with good!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

How many times per day do you usually laugh?

I find it pretty easy to see the humor in most situations. I'd tend to laugh even if I am crying. Like the name of my blog says - Laughing Through The Tears.

Soup

What do your sunglasses look like?

What? You got a problem with these? You know how much I like giraffes. Hey, at least they're not Donny Osmond glasses!

Salad

You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?

Since our trip to Washington D.C. last month was so short I would love the chance to go back and visit for an entire week. And I love going by train! My dad and I took a trip to Wisconsin one time to help my brother move. Just me and my dad! Wonderful memories for sure.

Main Course

Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city.

A traffic jam last about twelve seconds!

Dessert

If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best?

Why would anyone want it to be another color? BLUE is by far the bestest color ever in the whole wide world! And besides, blue makes me happy. Why do you want me to be sad? I just don't think that's very nice.

Thursday Thirteen

2008-01-24T00:02:00.000-05:00

TMI THURSDAY

1. I no longer have to use the raiser for the toilet when I go potty! Yay 4 me!

2. I have a weak stomach and the smell of coconut has made me throw up on more than one occasion.

3. I have recently noticed that I have a chin hair. Or at least I did until I plucked it! I can remember my mother plucking one too. Does this happen as we get older?

4. Instead of having my kids say the usual terms for passing gas they said, "I made noise!" Hey, it was cute when they were three!

5. I have laughed so hard while drinking soda that it came out my nose. Kinda burns, I must admit.

6. I love to pull teeth! I love the sound that it makes. The grinding makes me smile from ear to ear as the sheer terror takes hold of my child! Mwahahaha!!! My kids never enjoyed it for some reason. Hmmm, I wonder why?

7. Working at a car restoration shop is dirty work, even for the secretary. My fingernails are always filthy. I'm in dire need of some pampering!

8. One time my daughter threw up a combination of hot dogs, oranges and chocolate milk. It was everywhere! It took hours to clean up and I couldn't even look at any of those foods for about six months. Plus it was on my 30th birthday. But I'm not bitter!

9. I always keep several pair of brand spankin' new undies in case I go to the doctor or the hospital. But then again, who doesn't?

10. When I was around five or six I went through a phase of wanting to be a boy. I tried to go potty standing up. Didn't work. My mommy was not happy with me!

11. Speaking of which...when I drink my favorite beverage of choice - NOS, I tend to go potty all afternoon. See? Aren't you glad you are still reading this?

12. I have very ticklish feet! I cannot even scratch my own feet because it will tickle too badly.

13. I have not shaved my legs in over two years. Now before you judge me you must know a couple of things. One, I couldn't shave them because of my bad hips, but two, really there is no need. I barely grow any hair at all. I could probably take a piece of scotch tape and pull out the few I have!

Now, doesn't this make you all feel better knowing me so intimately? I needed to make myself laugh today. Mission accomplished!

This makes me laugh

2008-01-23T17:10:00.000-05:00

I can't seem to get the YouTube video to show up, but watch this when you have the chance! He always brings a smile to my face! Ahh, c'mon. It's not what you think! It will make you laugh too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSAvicL_2pQ

To Share Or Not To Share

2008-01-21T16:10:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I come to you once again asking for prayer. This time it is for me and my household. I wasn't sure whether to share or not because I try to keep my blog a happy place. I'm trying to hold true to my blog name. But I have shed many tears lately. Not a whole lot of laughter, except the smiles you all bring to my face!

But this is to big a burden to bear. And I know I have faithful prayer warriors out there. And right now I really need each and every one of you!

Anything and everything I have ever written about my husband is true. He is wonderful and always has been. But right now satan has got a hold of him and he is deeply depressed. He's questioning God about letting people suffer and the trials we face.

I'll admit we've had a rough few years. My father's illness and death, my illness, his sister's breast cancer and other numerous situations and trials.

I am going to counseling with my pastor and his wife so I can make sure I am handling this in a Godly way. I cannot get him to go with me. My husband has quit serving in Awana and the choir. And when we went to church last Sunday he left during the service and said he will not go back. Ever.

Right now my husband is not being kind. To any of us. It's hard. I know he doesn't mean the things he says. But they still hurt. Deeply.

Now I know that our God is bigger than all of this! And right now the kids and I are going to be the only God my husband sees. So we need to make sure we keep our attitudes in check. Because it would be so easy to give in and say the things we are sometimes thinking.

Please pray for all of us, especially my husband. He's always been a faithful servant of Christ. His words are harsh and they cut deep, but knowing how far away from the Lord he is right now hurts more than anything he could ever say to me.

I know Christ can be glorified through this trial I face. He's lead me through every other one I have fought against and won. I am prepared to go to battle. And I will be victorious as long as I am in the center of God's will!

2 Cor. 5:9 So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

To all of you that have tagged me I promise I will get to them eventually! I know you all understand what needs to come first. I thank you all for your heart felt prayers during this time.

Monday Giggles

2008-01-14T13:04:00.000-05:00

I just returned from having lunch with my husband and a potential employee only to find this in an e-mail sent to me by one of my close friends. I had to laugh because with the new year it seems like everyone (no matter how thin or thick) makes a resolution to eat healthier and start exercising. I am no exception.

I have broken that resolution at least twelve of the fourteen days so far. Not good. But in my defense I did order the kids meal today at Culvers! And I only ate about three fries because I was getting full from my cheeseburger and wanted to save room for my chocolate custard. Now don't scold me...I had them put strawberries on top. You know, so I could check off fruit group along with dairy at the same time! I like to kill two birds with one stone whenever possible. *I pat myself on the back for being so efficient* LOL!

In all truthfulness I have to say that I do feel better when I am at least doing my physical therapy. I normally have to sleep on my back because of restrictions with my new bionicness, but I decided to lay on my side and see if I could lift my leg straight up. Something I haven't been able to do for about eight years. Well, I did it as easy as eating a Hershey bar! It just went up without a hitch. I couldn't believe it! And this week I have finally been able to get in my van all by myself with no help whatsoever. Now how cool is that? Finally, a little bit of independence has come my way. Now if I could just get motivated to take that independence to the gym!

Exercise

- I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing.

- I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

- I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.

- The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier.

- If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.

- Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $5000 per month.

- My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. Now she's 97 years old and we don't know where on earth she is.

- The only reason I would take up exercising is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.

- I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.

- I don't exercise because it makes the ice jump right out of my glass.

Always Daddy's Girl

2008-01-11T12:40:00.000-05:00

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

Where has the time gone? It's been almost a month since I have posted any blessings. Even though my family is going through some uncertainties I see God's blessings everyday. Whether it be a friend calling from out of the blue just when you need her most or realizing that I am not so wobbly anymore and using my crutches less and less!

Today, though, I would like to do my post a little differently. You see, one year ago my father passed away. It's hard to believe it has been a year already. I still have on my caller i.d. when the nursing home called to let me know my father had died. For some reason I cannot delete it. And that's okay too.

So for today's post I would love to share how my father was a blessing to me growing up!

206. Being a Kroger store manager meant dad worked sixty hour weeks a week. But when it came to spending time with me and my brother he always had time. Always. We were never told no, now now, maybe later. If he had an errand to do we were always invited to go along. We always said yes. Dad made even a trip to the hardware store an adventure! We were blessed with his time and blessed, too, with a mother that also needed his company, but knew the importance of spending time with his kids.

207. We had the same sense of humor. My mother babysat from the time I was ten until dad got sick. Dad and I saw the humor in the kids and enjoyed just being in the midst of all of them! On his days off he would help my mom with the kids and do whatever was needed. My dad kept a bottle of water in the fridge and when he would get a drink all the kids would follow him and beg to have some of his "special water". That was one way he got them to drink water instead of wanting Kool Aid all the time. Smart man. Even when dad could no longer speak I would remind him of things we laughed at and is eyes would just light up and he smiled. I knew he was laughing on the inside. So a definitely blessing in my home was laughter. And lots of it!

208. Blessed to have a father that wasn't afraid to cry. He and I went to see The Hiding Place when I was a little girl and we both sobbed all the way through it. He cried at church when a sermon touched his heart. He cried often for me when I was in pain and couldn't walk. Or when the lab tech would try to get blood and they couldn't. I knew how much he loved me because of all the tears he shed for me.

209. Patience! My father was the most patient man I have ever come in contact with. He never yelled or lost him temper. Ever! I didn't know people actually yelled or got angry until I was in my teens and heard it from my friends. Seriously. And even when he got sick with Parkinson's he could have easily been demanding. He was a model patient. He never complained or asked why. He was thankful for the care my mom and us kids gave him. He was a trooper and a fighter. Can you imagine going without tasting food or having a drink of anything for over a year? I cannot even fathom the idea. When he could speak I told him that he was very brave and courageous when he could be the total opposite. He told me he learned patience from watching me. Oh, how that made me cry. And still does to this day. Maybe in the big picture this is one reason why I was allowed to have arthritis. Only God knows. But I do know if I start to complain about not being able to get around as fast as I want I quickly remember my father who couldn't move anything for a year and did so without complaint. But he's moving now!!!

210. But the biggest blessing I could receive from my father is seeing Christ in him on a daily basis. I was witness to how a husband and father should lead his family. We had devotions as a family, which I cherish to this day. He was a good provider for his family. He was gentle and soft spoken and didn't have to get angry to get his point across because we respected him as a father and a husband and was willing to obey and please him. He wasn't self seeking. In all he did he tried to glorify God. I know dad wasn't perfect because none of us are, but he was as close as a person can get!

I am thankful to have had him for 43 years. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and smile. My mother, brother and I know how truly blessed we were to have him as head of our household. There are so many more ways he blessed me and I could write about him all day long, but I'll stop for now. Thank you for letting me share this today. And as a favor to me please call a loved one and let them know how much they truly mean to you!

Thursday Thirteen

2008-01-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

Thirteen Things To Do When I Get Really, Really, Really Bored! And Even Then I Think Twice About Doing Them!

1. Change all my passwords to hotmail, Facebook, my online banking and bills, etc. And then forget what I changed it to so I have to go and reset them again. I suppose it would help if I kept a list somewhere, huh?

2. Work on my latch hook rug I started up teen years ago. It's sorta frayed and raggedy looking now. I should just toss it and start a new one that I will never finish! What? Doesn't everybody take twelve years to finish a craft project?

3. Read War and Peace. Maybe I'll just wait for the movie!

4. Count and organize my money by $50's and $100's. Oh, that's right. I don't have any money!

5. Learn the alphabet backwards. Now won't that be impressive?

6. Get over my fear of snakes. I don't work too hard on this one though.

7. Work on my stand up routine. What do you call a sheep with no legs? A cloud! Okay, okay, I'll keep working on it!

8. Switch the labels on the vegetables and the good stuff like ravioli. Then when my kids open a can up I say, "You opened it-you eat it!" This reminds me...I need to buy more spinach!

9. Decide which is better ~ Coke or Pepsi.

10. Balance my checkbook. Hey, I figure if I have checks left I must have some money in there!

11. Turn on the telly to see what's up with Britney. Some channel is focused on her 24/7.

12. Dust the furniture. Ever notice that you dust one day and the next day it looks the same way? So why bother?

13. Organize my left over Christmas candy and separate the green wrapped Hershey kisses from the red ones. Will use them for Valentine's Day and St. Patty's Day!

So, what do you do when you are bored out of your mind?

News Update

2008-01-07T18:55:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends,

Stopping by my own place to give a quick update. My momma is out of the hospital now and is doing well. She did have a polyp that they are doing a biopsy on and she also had an internal hemmorroid (I have no idea how to spell it!) causing a lot of blood that will be tied off this Friday. Pleasant, huh? I didn't know how else to put it except the truth! She is very weak and unsteady on her feet, but all in all she's doing okay. Thank you for praying and thinking of her. She's a dear, sweet lady. She'd give you her last penny without hesitation.

As far as my SIL goes things are still quite dim. My main focus is on her and her kids right now. There is so much disappointment and unbelief on the situation that we are all struggling. All we can do right now is get down on our hands and knees and pray without ceasing!

We've had another situation come to a head that we were all unaware of too this week. Honestly, I am feeling low. I have made an appointment to talk to my pastor and his wife on Thursday. I want to handle all the situations in a pleasing manner to God. I know He can be glorified in these circumstances, but I need some guidance. Please pray for me that I don't lose my cool with certain people. I'm usually easy going, but when you hurt someone I love I can not be so pretty.

For those of you that have tagged me for meme's and other things, I will get to them. Michelle, I thank you for the Blessing and want to give that one some clear thought when I do it because it is such a neat idea. I know you understand!

Thanks again for all your encouraging words and most of all prayers! Love you guys and am forever thankful to have found each and every one of you!

FUN MONDAY - Meet the pets!

2008-01-07T17:25:00.000-05:00

How fun is this? Today's Fun Monday is hoted by Lisa. This is my first time participating, but when I saw the theme at Christine's I knew I wanted to participate and show my baby off!

Her name is Wensleydale because she is an english bulldog and Wensleydale is an english cheese and my husband loves cheese. And yes, we are very strange. Nice to meet you by the way!

How can you resist that face? Woo (as I call her and please don't ask why) is as faithful as they come. She never leaves our side. EVER. I don't even go to the bathroom without her sitting at my feet. She goes with us anywhere and everywhere we go with the exception of church. And if they would let her in we would take her!

No, she is not going to eat the kitty! She loves ALL animals and wonders why they all don't want to play with her. She's very good at giving kisses as you can see. We've decided not to breed her though because she does kiss so much. We are afraid her babies would be bald! Plus I would ant to keep each and every one of them.

Wensley loves travelling and knows when we go to a hotel. One of her favorite things to do. Seriously. This was a roll-a-way bed we got for our son, but she claimed it as her own as soon as it came in! She is telling us that she is not moving from HER bed. My poor son had to sleep in the tub. Just kidding! Of course Woo always sleeps with us. ALWAYS. She is totally in love with my husband. It's a good thing I am not a jealous woman.

Thank you for stopping by today! I would encourage you all to consider getting an english bulldog if given the opportunity. She brings joy and laughter to my life each and every day!

In Need Of Much Prayer

2008-01-02T14:54:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Last year on New Year's Eve we were putting my father in the hospital. He died on the eleventh. I spent this New Year's Eve putting my mother in the hospital. She has been bleeding and they are not sure why yet. She has lost a lot of blood and her hemoglobin is very, very low. I am frustrated because the doctor hasn't given her a blood transfusion because she is right on the border of doing it or not doing it. She is so weak. Please pray for her. Hopefully she will have a colonoscopy (spell?) tomorrow and maybe we will find out more.

The memories of dad just came flooding back and I pray I don't go through this again so soon. I'm sure I'm a little more stressed than normal and it will be okay.

Also, please be in pray for some of my family members on my husband's side. We spent Christmas all together and never knew what was in store. We received some devastating and shocking news a few days later. I won't go into details, but as of right now it seems hopeless because one person is not willing to change their ways.

It's going to take alot of prayer and some tough love. We know that God can do all things! But there is so much hurt and anger right now for those involved and rightfully so. I will be spending most of my time with my mom and my sister in law so please remember them in prayer.

I will try my best to check in from time to time, but understand I need to be with them.

Thank you all.

Thursday Thirteen

2007-12-27T11:38:00.000-05:00

13 More Things You Don't Know About Me

(and could probably care less!)

1. I've shared my love for Donny Osmond many a time, but you don't know that I also was madly in love with Rick Springfield! I have many of his cd's and listen to them alot.

2. After I take my shower I am always very cold, like most people. But I am also very thirsty and want an icy cold drink waiting for me. Crushed ice, please!

3. I hang up on telephone soliciters. And it feel so good. I have no patience for them anymore. Don't call me, I'll call you when I'm ready to give to your fake organization.

4. Babies, and it doesn't matter whose baby it is, really bring me joy! A baby can smile at me while I'm at Wal-mart and that little sweet face will stick with me the rest of the day. God's little miracles. Truly they are.

5. I have a loud laugh. And sometimes I snort when I laugh. I think it's annoying, others say it's contagious. But it's one of my favorite things to do so I keep on laughing!

6. When I was about four I stole a package of Juicy Fruit gum from the dime store. When we got to the car I showed my mom and she marches my little hiney right back in and I had to tell the store manager what I did!

7. When I travel now I always look at people and wonder if they are bloggers and if I know them. Some day I might just run into one of you!

8. I love a new box of crayons! The bigger the box, the bigger the smile! And the smell......MMmmmmm! Pass the coloring book please.

9. I can't make good tasting rice krispie treats. I know! It's like the easiest thing in the world to make and mine always taste stale. What's up with that?

10. I saw I Am Legend and even though it was good I do not want to see it again. It left me feeling empty and sorta depressed. I don't like that feeling.

11. My husband bought me a cd boxed set of '80's music! Now we're talking good music! And why yes, it does have some Rick Springfield songs on it!

12. If bouncing one's knee a lot drives you crazy then we might have a problem. Just tell me to stop and I will try. My husband hates it too!

13. In high school I was known as a goody two shoes because I didn't smoke, drink or swear. Now I would be called a worn out pair of goody two shoes..lol!

2007-12-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

201. Beautiful songs like "Mary, Did You Know?" by Mark Lowery and "A Strange Way To Save The World" by 4Him that keeps the focus on what CHRISTmas is all about!

202. My beautiful daughter turned 21 years old. She moved in when she was just five. She has been a huge blessing to both of us and what a privilege it has been to raise her. Thank you Lord for this wonderful child!

She's prettier than this picture, but this is recent. We'd ben travelling since 3 in the morning, so she looks rather tired!

203. My precious Awana girls. We had our Christmas party on Wednesday and many of them had made special things just for me! I think they know how much I love them! And we were able to share with them the true meaning of Christmas. Many of them had never heard it before.

204. Everday I am blessed with relief from my painful hips. I know I can't stop talking about them, but I can't help it! I dropped my brush on the floor and I actually bent down and got it all by myself! And I did it witout even thinking. Go me!

205. Blessed with some good customers at our shop. One couple came over today and took us out to lunch to say thanks for all our hard work. I like it when someone notices how hard my husband works for them!

I'm keeping it short this week because I know you have so much to do, but I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas! I'll be with my family, but I know I will stop and think of each of you and wondering what's happening at your place! Love you all!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-12-20T15:25:00.000-05:00

13 Things I'm Without This Christmas

1. My father, who passed away January 11th. I miss him, but knowing he is in Heaven and no longer suffering brings such peace!

2. My crutches!!! It's been almost years since I had to start using them and right now I can walk (or wobble in my case) around my house. I still need them for long distances and stairs, but no longer are they my best friends!

3. We no longer have two kitties. And it's okay! They didn't die, they just found new homes. They spent much of their time destroying ours so it was time to get rid of them. And I have to tell you...I don't even miss them. Me bad!

4. Eggnog. Darn. I don't even like the stuff anyway!

5. Tickets to the Donny & Marie concert in Las Vegas next July. I NEED to go peeps! That's all I'm asking for this year. I promise not to ask for anything else. :o)

6. No family feuds. Well, it's this way every year because everyone in our family gets along. Praise the Lord! We are blessed!!

7. Smaller jeans. Yes, I still haven't started a new way of life with better eating habits. And I won't make it a New Year's Resolution either. I just need to do it! Pray for me please!

8. Money. Not because we spent it all on gifts either. We're just kinda poorly this year. And we're fine with it too. It's gonna be a laid back Christmas with lots of laughter between family and friends!

9. Not so much pain! I still have arthritis every where else, but I can sit in any chair I want to, even if it's hard and not cry! I've seen pics of myself during the time I hurt so bad and my eyes just show the pain even when I smiled. The latest pictures of me you can really tell a difference. I am so thankful everyday!

10. I can't find my address book so I could send out cards. I have no idea where I put it. Well, duh. If I did know where I put it, it wouldn't be lost!

11. I'm definitely without loneliness! I am surrounded by my family, church, friends in real life and on line!

12. I'm without the hustle and bustle of the season and that's okay by me!

13. But I am WITH the true meaning of Christmas! If it weren't for God sending His son there would be no Christmas.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

In "Other" Words

2007-12-18T22:58:00.000-05:00

"Don't blame suffering in the world on the anger of God. He's not mad; he didn't mess up. Follow our troubles to their headwaters, and you won't find any angry or befuddled God. But you will find a sovereign God. Your pain has a purpose. Your problems, struggles, heartaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end -- the glory of God."~Max Lucado, It's Not About Me~

My struggles and pains are no different than anyone elses. Many people say to me, "I know I'm not as bad off as you....." This may be true at times, but you can easily find someone else in a circumstance that you do not wish to be in. But you know what? Someday we might find ourselves going through the same kind of trial. God's timing is perfect folks! And if and when we are faced with such trials He gives us the strength and courage to face it head on. We also need to remember that with each trial comes learning. There is a purpose.

When I was in high school I had arthritis and stayed on crutches for four years. To me it was no big deal...most of the time. Anyway, my government teacher stopped teaching class one day and walked over to my desk and asked, "Do you blame anybody for your situation?" I was confused. My friend leaned over and said, "He's asking you if you blame God?" That was the furthest thought from my mind! I told my teacher, "If it weren't for my Lord and Savior I would not be able to handle the pain. This I am sure. And someday I will be free from it all." He just turned and walked away. To this day I don't know why he asked that, but I hope he was able to see Christ through me.

I love the following words so much. I can't remember right now where I read this, but the first time I read it I thought WOW, my trials are coming from the throne of God! I learned very quickly that when you have a disability people WILL watch you and how you react in situations. I fail many times I know. When I am not in the Word of God daily it shows! My one hope through all this is that I do glorify God and people can see Christ in me.

There is nothing--no circumstance, no trouble, no testing--that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. But as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no circumstance will cause me to fret, for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is--that is the rest of victory!

Is that awesome or what? When you find yourself down please copy this to your computer so you can read it and know hat there is a reason and purpose for what you are facing.

Mama said there be days like this....

2007-12-18T16:28:00.000-05:00

Ever get caught up in the middle of a mess without trying? Yep, that would me. And I have no idea how I even got there!

Maybe it wasn't so bad after all being home bound for so long.

Enough about me. Please be in prayer for my dear friend Steve. His father was out shoveling snow yesterday and came in the garage to sit a spell and suddenly died. Probably of a heart attack, but I don't know for certain.

My heart is aching for him right now. Steve is about eight years younger than I am. He's just too young to lose his father. I've been missing my dad terribly this week and when I got the news of his dad I just let loose. I know it's okay to cry, but it was one of those uncontrollable sobs where you can't catch your breath and then you end up with a terrible headache. I wish you all could have met him. Someday you will!

I know everyone is busy in Blogville, but if you happen to stop by I hope you are doing well this week. I'm praying for so many of your requests you left on your blogs. If there is something else you would like me to pray for please let me know.

Casting all you care upon Him for He careth for you.

1000 Blessings Friday & Friday's Feast

2007-12-14T16:09:00.000-05:00

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

191. I am blessed and full of joy because I was able to go on a 3000 mile trip with my husband and daughter last week! And I did super de duper too. We went to Cumberland Gap, Tennessee to see family. Orlando, Florida to a trade show and got lots of cool free sa-wag! Goochland, Virgina to visit his sister and bil and Washington D.C. to see the Declaration of Independence and the nation's Christmas tree. See above pic.

192. After seeing the Declaration of Independence and realizing what those men really did for us as a nation I am thankful and blessed to live in a country where we have so many freedoms.

193. I have been able to go to church and hug people and NOT get sick!! Yay for me. That means my immune system is good to go. And it's always a blessing to be able to go to church and serve and be fed by the Word of God!

195. And I am blessed with happiness because I feel I have been able to let you secret Donny lovers come out in the open and stand tall and tell the world that "I heart Donny Osmond!" I knew you were out there!

196. Blessed with some answers to prayer. Being reminded that God's timing is best in all circumstances.

197. Excited that we may have found two employees for our restoration shop. And they already live in Indiana so they wouldn't have to move too far away.

198. Blessed with a small group of girls at Awana. All but two are unchurched and this gives us a great opportunity to teach the girls their verses and what they mean. And we can focus on salvation lessons and many of the good old Bible stories we loved as children!

199. Blessed with bargains. I found two t-shirts, 1 nice top and 1 pair of black comfy pants and they were only $1 each at Wally World!

200. Blessed with my dear sweet family that so generously and unselfishly take care of each other. We make a great team. When something needs done we all pitch in and do what we can. When the task is done we love just being together. I am thankful my kids are so willing to talk to us about their day. They are cool kids. I heard a quote the other day that I liked. I have three adopted kids, but I forget which three!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

Make up a word and give us its definition.

My husband and I have our own secret language that is too strange, even for me, to share!

Soup

What is currently your favorite song?

Nope, I'm not even gonna say any Donny songs for this question. Shocker, I know. I am loving Mary, Did You Know? sung by Mark Lowery. My husband sang it for his sister's church and it was beautiful. The words are so powerful.

Salad

What's at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?

Okay. Now I can mention Donny! I usually don't ask for anything but I NEED to go to the Donny & Marie concert in Las Vegas next July. Remember how I've been stuck in my little old room for nine months without seeing daylight and only eating a cracker or two and maybe having a sip of water? *pouty lip* Hmpf..can't break ya, can I? Well, it was worth a shot!

Main Course

Name a scent that reminds you of someone special in your life.

My Aunt Pauline's home always smelled like peppermint. She was a dear too. She never married and lived with her folks and took care of them all her life. She wasn't in that good of shape herself, but she had a servants heart. What a wonderful role model she was for us nieces and nephews!

Dessert

Who is someone on television that you feel probably shouldn't be and why?

Having a teenage son at home I feel for him trying to live a christian life. You can't turn on the television without seeing someone practically nude such as that show with Hugh Hefner and his three girlfriends. They blur out their private places, but it can still do what they are intending for it to do. If they want that show on tv then let it be pay per view please.

I apologize for the mess up on the Friday's Feast. I keep trying to fix it and it is not letting me so I am going with what I got! Hugs to all!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-12-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

On our trip last week we were able to make a side trip to Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. My grandmother passed away about 15 years ago, but this is where she lived. I spent many summers deep in the holler, as they call it. A lot of happy times were spent here!

13 Memories of my Grandma!

1. Waking up every morning to the smell of homemade biscuits and gravy and anything else you could possibly imagine.

2. Grandma always reminded me of Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies. She was tiny and had a lot of spunk! Go, go, go. She could outrace any of us!

3. Her beautiful white hair. It wasn't gray and yucky looking like some older people get. It was as white and as clean as fresh fallen snow.

4. Her Singer sewing machine. The old kind with the manual foot peddle. I have several things like pillows and wall hangings that she made for me on that very machine. And one summer she even taught me how to sew on it! What a treat that was!

5. Grandma didn't own a set of measuring cups. Her hands were used to measure out flour and sugar. I was always amazed too how she never used a cookbook either. And everything she made was delicious and perfect.

6. She always made me a couple of fried apple pies for the road! Let's just say they never made it very far.

7. She believed a girl should dress modestly. I was not allowed to wear shorts or tank tops. But I didn't mind. I usually wore a little cotton dress and went barefoot!

8. In the pantry she kept a few cardboard fans with pictures of a church or Jesus on them. Since she had no air conditioning we were allowed to use them as much as we wanted. Simple things like that always made me happy.

9. One of my favorite times was sitting on the swing on the front porch with her and watching the cars go by. Sure there may have been only two that went by, but during that time she would tell stories from when she was a little girl. I sat in awe and hung on to every word she ever spoke.

10. As much as my mother would hate me telling this I just have to. I think this is disgusting now, but when you are five years old it looked pretty cool. My grandma dipped snuff and could spit between her two fingers farther than I had ever seen! I thought she was the coolest ever!

11. I always left her house with some kind of treasure. A small quilt for my dolls, a necklace made from pumpkin seeds, or a little wooden box she knew I would like to keep my things in.

12. She loved my dad very much. My father was always building her a set of stairs or fixing the barn, anything he could do to help her out. Now mind you grandma had her sons that lived right there with her and my dad always spent his vacation working at her house. She knew what a special man he was too and it pleased me that she acknowledged that fact!

13. She loved Christ even more. And one sweet day I will meet up with her again!

Pretty Please?

2007-12-12T17:16:00.001-05:00

I'll be your bestest friend if you get me this for Christmas! Give it some thought and check it out at: http://www.donny.com/donnymariemgm.html

I'll even act suprised when I open my gift!!

I Feel The Love

2007-12-11T13:17:00.000-05:00

De honored me with this award a while back. Thank you De. My prayer is and always has been that people see Christ in me. I know that I fall short of glorifying Him in all I say and do. I'm working on that. I also know that without Christ I am nothing.

This award originated with Dan King over at Management by God, who states, "Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) is to make more disciples. The role of a disciple of Christ is to carry His message to the ends of the earth. It is with this heart that I have created the Mathetes Award.

"Those who receive it are to pass it on to other disciples who are sharing the good news in their own bloggity ways. Here are the rules: Winners of this award are to pass this on to five other"disciples". As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for (1) the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name the sites of those you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ.

I would like to pass on this award to these ladies. Each of them has been an encouragement to me whether it be in their comments or their posts.

Anew and Afresh
As We Sail
Gold in the Clouds
Jesus and Dark Chocolate
Mission Kim Possible

Christine honored me with this award a long time ago. Thank you my dear, sweet friend! I say this every time, but I just absolutely adore her. She just makes me happy. Love you girl!

I give this award to anyone that stops by today! I know I tend to get all sappy sweet and you probably roll your eyes every time I say this, but I am thankful for each and every one of you. I know God directed me to Blogville just when I needed it most. In my darkest hours you were there encouraging me and keeping me focused on Him. Thank you!

Happiness & Joy

2007-12-10T17:05:00.000-05:00

My cheeks hurt because I haven't stopped smiling since last Wednesday. I. Me. Amy, went to Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, Orlando, Florida, Virginia, and Washington D.C.!!!!!!!!!!!

God is SO GOOOOOOD to me! All I could do the entire trip was take in all of God's creation and smile from ear to ear. I'm sure I looked goofy, which was okay while I was in Florida ;o) Get it? Who woulda thunk that I would be travelling so far after such a long year! Not me!!!

And you know what's weird? The pain I was in was the absolute worst I have ever been in and you'd think I would never forget it. But now I feel like it is so far behind me and way in the past! That's a good thing, right? I'm moving forward. I won't, however, forget how God helped me through each and every moment. If it weren't for Him I would not be here today. I give ALL the glory to Him and I praise Him each and every time I step foot outside my house.

I can't wait to visit each and everyone of you. I missed you very much! When I was in Georgia I wondered how far away I was from Amy. And when I was in Florida I wondered if I would see DeeDee anywhere! Yeah, I know they are both big states, but you never know. It's a small world after all! And I'm not talking about the ride. :o)

2007-12-03T19:04:00.000-05:00

Fresh Girl posted this meme and I have politely borrowed it for today!

Four jobs I have had in my life:

At the age of ten I was the neighborhood babysitter until I got married. Can you imagine letting a ten year old take care of a newborn today? Plus I was on crutches some of the time during those ten years. I guess the parents knew I was serious about taking care of their youngins! And I made good money too :o)

Cute little sales clerk at Hickory Farms – but only for the Christmas season. Side note: this is where I met my future husband! Yay!

Accountant for my FIL’s robotics company. It was a family business and practically every son, daughter, son-in-law and daughter-in-law worked there. We even had two of our cousins working there. We should have called ourselves Nepotism, Inc!

Now I am President, accountant, secretary, gopher girl, and janitor of our own automotive restoration business. We mainly restore Mustangs!

Four movies I would watch over and over:

Any home movie of my husband, my kids, and my nieces and nephews!

Jesus of Nazareth

While You Were Sleeping

Anne of Green Gables

Four places I have lived :

Indianapolis, Indiana

Lafayette. Indiana

Crawfordsville, Indiana

The Bugle Hotel on the Isle of Wight – technically we didn’t have a permanent residence, but my husband and I spent the entire summer of 1985 living there while he worked on some robot thingy. We even had the honeymoon suite the whole time we were there. And good thing too because we had only been married eight months! I was working for my father-in-law at the time, but he knew his son would not be happy spending that many months away from his new bride, so they sent me!

Four TV shows that I watch:

I love the oldies like Andy Griffith, The Brady Bunch and Little House on the Prairie!

Project Runway – I am so not into fashion, but I find the creative side of the show very interesting.

American Idol - I am the worst singer ever!

My new show for the year is Pushing Daisies – very quirky. Reminds me of, well, me!

Four places I have been:

Switzerland - I so want to go again for our 25th anniversary!

Tower Hotel in London – I have a beautiful picture of the Tower Bridge taken from our room. It's like you could almost reach out and touch it.

Disneyland – went there for our honeymoon! It’s like the funnest place ever!!!

Lichtenstein – best hot chocolate in the whole entire world! MMMmmmm!

Four people who e-mail me regularly:

My dear friend, Teresa, who lives in Pennsylvania now. I miss her.

My husband sends me lots of little lovey dovey notes during the day!

I’ve just started chatting with another woman who got arthritis about five years ago. She’s in need of some encouragement and I hope I can do that for her!

And I have to tell you all that I do get e-mails from Donny Osmond! Sure they go out to all that have signed up for his newsletter, but I’m pretty certain he put me at the top of his list!

Four of my favorite foods:

Absolutely anything my husband cooks up! He’s a genius in the kitchen. And the funny thing is…..he is extremely picky! A meat and potatoes man. He makes THE best French onion soup, tortilla soup and beef tenderloin I have ever had!

Penne Rustica from Romano’s Macaroni Grill

My grandma’s biscuits and gravy

Cheeseburger from In ‘N Out! I’m slobbering right now, thank you very much!

Four places I'd rather be:

I would love to be sitting with any of you right now!

And if I can’t have you, then I would like to be sitting with Donny!

I would love to go Krueger National Park on a safari with my husband. As long as I don’t see any dead animals or anything getting killed!

But my favorite place to be is sitting around the table with my family and laughing, talking and playing games!

Four things I am looking forward to next year

Leaving my house without my crutches – on purpose!

I would love to go see Donny & Marie in Las Vegas in July!! Does anyone out there want to send me? Pretty please. I’ll be your bestest friend!

Being able to work at Vacation Bible School – I’ve missed the past two years. It’s always an exciting week with the kids!

Simple things that I used to take for granted like going to lunch with my friends, shopping the clearance aisles, running to my mom’s just to be with her and taking my kids to the doctor, dentist, or even to practice driving. I’ve really missed being able to do those things.

I am going to tag some completely new ladies I have met over the past few weeks and I hope you do this!! And if any of my other friends want to do it too, then please do and let me know. I love getting to know you better!

As We Sail
Daughter of the King
Gold in the Clouds
Mama J

Friends, I am leaving for Florida Wednesday morning at 3 am. I have a lot to do tomorrow as far as packing and such so I probably won't be around for awhile. I'll be back on Monday to catch up with y'all! I love you guys! And I will be thinking of all of you while I am away. You're always in my prayers and on my heart.

1000 Blessing's Friday & Friday's Feast

2007-11-30T19:33:00.000-05:00

I love Friday's and getting to share my blessings! And thank you for letting me share them with you too!

181. Going back to Thanksgiving since I haven't posted any blessings. My sister-in-law, Susi, had us all over and prepared everything!! And it was all SO delicious. I know it is so much work and I appreciate her willingness to take on such a task. And remember how I posted about roasting your turkey upside down? Well, as we were eating I kept commenting on how juicy it was. She laughed and said she somehow cooked it upside down! I am blessed to have such wonderful in-laws. On both sides of the family!

182. My daughter's car died completely, as in terminal, a few weeks back. We are blessed because we found a nice little car last week for not a whole lot of dough! She loves it and I do too because it is blue! And we all know by now how much that color makes me happy :o)

183. I have cut way back on my pain medicines and am blessed in so many ways because I don't need as much of it now (Yay!) and it's not good for my insides and I am not spending as much money and I am more coherent! Please pray for me as I work my way off prednisone too!

184. I can't go into details because it does not concern me, but a member of my family. But we are blessed with some answered prayers! It took awhile, but I was able to see the Lord working in their life as they waited.

185. I am so, so, so blessed because I have spent four of the past six days out and about working, doing errands, and teaching at Awana!!!!!!!!! I just adore those little girls!

186. I am excited too because as I am learning to walk again I have started to remember to bend my knees. For a while I was walking with stiff legs. It's a very weird feeling and I sometimes feel goofy, but I know I need to practice. Practice makes perfect!

187. I was happy to get the mail today because I received a postcard with one of my favorite little girls on it! You know who you are and I say Thank You!

188. I needed winter pajama bottoms and was blessed in finding some for only $5 a pair. And they came with a matching t-shirt too!

189. I feel blessed because I feel completely better as far as the cold, flu, pneumonia thingy! I can breath as deep as I want and I don't cough or hurt or nothin'!!

190. Blessed to live in a warm house with electricity and warmth and food.

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

What is your favorite carnival/amusement park ride?

I've never been able to enjoy too many because when I ride them they jerk me around, but I found one a few years back at King's Island that I LOVE!! It's called the Drop Zone. They lift you up like 350 feet or something and then you drop really fast! So much fun!

Soup

How do you react in uncomfortable social situations?

I'm really bad because I tend to get the giggles at the most inappropriate times. I think I'll start blaming it on my age.

Salad

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy discussing deep, philosophical topics?

I have always been more of a listener, but if I was one on one with a really good friend I would say 8. Is Donny a deep, philosophical topic?

Main Course

Did you get a flu shot this year? If not, do you plan to?

Because of the medicines I take I am not allowed to have a flu shot. Poor me!

Dessert

Approximately how many hours per week do you spend watching television?

Well, if you actually mean watching it I would say about six to ten hours. Unfortunately, I have developed a bad habit of falling asleep to the noise. But if there was a Donny channel...well, it would be on 24/7/365!

Frreeeddoom!!

2007-11-28T16:26:00.000-05:00

I can almost hear Mel shouting freedom now! You just have no idea how happy and giddy I am! And ever so thankful. I - that means me, Amy - am at our shop all by myself!! Only for a little bit while my husband is gone getting nuts and bolts and car type stuff, but still - I am alone!

I promise not to blog on this same subject everyday. Really! I can look back though and remember my darkest days and how I wondered if I would ever walk again or be free of some of the pain. It took a little while to get there, but I'm here!

And before I say one more word I know that SO many people are home bound their whole lives and live in much more difficult circumstances than I will ever know or understand. That is one thing I never lost sight of. I am blessed and truly thankful for the past year.

If my hips decided to stay all healthy like I would have never started blogging. I would have spent a ton of money in gas! I would have spent a lot of money by shopping for things we really didn't need. My family would not have been given the opportunity to see some of their spiritual gifts. My church family was able to use their talents and gifts also.

I was also given plenty of time to pray for others and send cards to those like me. And I think more importantly I was able to be there for my mother who needed me most. Now granted she had to come to me if she wanted to see me, but I could call her and we would cry together over dad.

I have learned to be more patient. I have learned not to be as stubborn and ask for help. I learned I don't need to be in control. Give it all to the Lord and let Him do what He knows best!

I'm sure I will continue to learn from this trial. At least I hope I do! If there is something He wants me to see that I have yet to learn I pray my heart is open to His will. He's not finished with me yet!

And I am still happy. Very happy!

Miss Independent

2007-11-26T23:37:00.000-05:00

I can't let a whole week go by and not post anything! Shameful. But I do have good reason. Now don't get too excited people. The truth is.....I've hardly been home at all!!!! Do you know what that means? It means that I feel good enough (or is it well enough?) to be out in the real world. For like several days in.a.row!!!!!!! The only thing I need is help getting in the car still. I am so close to being able to do it all by myself. I'm a big girl now! Pardon my immaturity. I'm feeling a tad bit on the strange side tonight.

Anyway, I had the best time driving in my van all by my lonesome! I haven't had that in such a long time. I had several errands to do where I didn't have to get out of the car. As I was driving I realized I had the radio all to myself! That like never happens. And I sure hope you are sitting down because I need to tell you who I listened to. NO! It wasn't Donny. I warned you! I put on Chris Daughtry. And I turned on the volume as loud as it would go! TeeHee!!! And I sang and sang. My head swayed back and forth to the music. I clutched my heart when it was a sad song. I even got out a lighter and held it high in the air. Okay, that was a bit much. Went too far.

It's nice to start feeling like I have a little independence. The stronger my right leg gets the sooner I won't need any help getting in the car. But I must be patient. And I will be. Look how far I've come from the beginning of the year!

You already know one of my very favorite verses, but let's say it all together, shall we?

Philippians 4:13 "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."

So true.

Gobble, Gobble, Gulp!

2007-11-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

Has anyone stopped to think how turkeys feel around this time of year? Poor things. There they are minding their own business. Gobble, gobble here. Gobble, gobble there. Then when they're not looking.....oh, I just can't go there. You know what happens.

Of course, this doesn't stop me from enjoying a leg or two. Hey, did you all know that if you roast a turkey upside down it will practically melt in your mouth? Oh, is it ever so good! I made my first turkey about three years ago that way and even though it's not very purty I will never change they way that bad boy cooks! Poor delicious bird.

As some of you know I come from a small family. I onlyhave one brother, Jimmy. Most people call him Jim now, but to me, Jim was my dad, not my brother. I called my sweet sister in law to see what she wanted us to bring and she said nothing. She said she wanted to do it ALL! How great is that? Thank you!

This will be our first Thanksgiving without my precious little daddy. It will be hard because he was such a nig part of the holidays. He worked at Kroger and we always had to wait for him to get off work before we could eat. We would watch the clock feverishly as kids. And then when the grandchildren started coming they took over for Jimmy and I.

We would always hear his truck pull up and we'd wait at the door to greet him. And then he would walk in with his bright white dress shirt and his blue Kroger name tag still on his pocket. And he's be smiling from ear to ear as the kids all gathered round waiting for their turn to hug him. Oh, will he be missed.

As our family gathers together this year we do have so many blessings to be thankful for. We will see my father again. We have that assurance because he accepted Christ as a young man. We are thankful he is not suffering and can move about freely again. I don't know what our Heavenly bodies will look like exactly, but I bet you he has that same smile from ear to ear!

If I don't make it by your place before the holiday I want to wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! One thing I am thankful for is making friends with all of you! I can't say it enough, but I really do love you guys. This past year has been my most challenging one yet and you have been huge blessings to me with your encouragement and prayers. I hope I can do the same for you.

Friday Fun!

2007-11-16T09:29:00.000-05:00

1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY

171. I am finally over my walking pneumonia and feeling like my old self again! Whew, it was rough and I pray that when I go to church again on Sunday I don't catch something else. But it is a blessing that people want to hug me and love on me. And my little handy dandy sanitizer is a blessing too. I just won't let people see me using it after all the lovin'! Do not want to offend thee.

172. I was able to go away for my first official road trip in a year!!!! Just me and MustangMan. Oh yeah, and the Woo. A trip wouldn't be complete without her! We drove 970 miles in two days and I did it. I love my new hips! My hubby needs to go to Florida the first week of December and I might even attempt to go with him. Still trying to decide if I can make it that far, but am blessed because 1. He wants me to go with him even though that means taking a little longer to get there and 2. It's Florida and it's warmer there than here in Indiana!!!

173. Received a huge blessing because we were able to spend hours with my dear friend, Teresa and her family. Teresa just lost a friend to cancer the week before. I was able to make her laugh. A lot! And when we left she said, "You are what I needed." I love her so much and I am so blessed that i was able to go just when she needed me most! His timing is perfect.

174. Normally we would have stayed with our friends, but since we had to leave at the crack of dawn we got a motel room. I picked a Motel 6 because it was only $45. While it was cheap you got exactly what you paid for. I will never stay at one again because we had numerous problems. So you ask~where is your blessing? I took a shower and hopped into bed with a grouchy attitude. MustangMan said not to worry we would survive one night. By this time it was very late and we had to be up and gone in five hours. I was restless so I turned on the telly for a bit and lo and behold the Osmond's were on Larry King Live!!! Yipeee!!!!! Meesa no grouchy no more. If it hadn't been for all the motel problems we had I wouldn't have seen this show because I had no idea they were going to be on! Turned my frown upside down...teehee!

175. We went to WyoTech in PA to a job fair. We are in desperate need of some competent, hard working employees. We want to find employees that have the same passion as we do. Not ones that are just looking for a job. We interviews several young men and the two that stood out the most were actually from Indiana! This is a blessing because neither one of them would have to move to our town unless they really wanted to. Nothing is set in stone yet and we are conducting more interviews over the holiday, but it is exciting to see the possibilities. And as a mom I look at it as maybe one of them will marry one of my daughters some day! You never know.

176. Like I said earlier we took our bulldog with us to WyoTech and she was a HIT! You just don't see bulldogs on a daily basis and she draws in the crowd because she is so ugly, uh I mean cute. Nah, she's ugly! Anyway, I feel this is a blessing because I get to meet so many new people this way. Believe it or not I used to be a wall flower, but anymore I say the more the merrier! I had some wonderful conversations with people from all walks of life.

177. On the way home from PA I got to eat at Cracker Barrell!! I haven't been there in over a year. It's one of my very favorite places to eat. I was bad and ordered biscuits and gravy, but it was only $2.49 for three biscuits and a big bowl of gravy! And since I didn't spend much money on my food I got to shop in the little store afterward! I ordered cheap on purpose. I'd rather spend that money on gifts. Plus they had Christmas ornaments on sale. If you bought four you got one free!! And if you have ever been there they have adorable ornaments that only start at 99 cents! This is a blessing because I was able to get a gift for my secret pal and I was able to walk around a little bit! And actually since I can't walk for too long I didn't spend as much money as I could have if say I would have been in the wheelchair. So it's really a blessing within a blessing!

178. We were blessed on this trip several times because our friends bought our dinner at Primanti Bros. on Wednesday night and on Thursday our breakfast and lunch was provided! And since I take a cooler with snacks we only spent $13 on food at Cracker Barrell. Not bad for two days, huh?

179. We were blessed with safe travel! We saw many accidents, a lot of deer, and policemen were out in full force. But my husband isn't one to speed anyway so there were no worries there. We even had a little bit of slick snow for an hour, but it soon cleared up! We arrived home at 1:30 in the morning and it was good to be home!

180. I didn't notice it when we got home, but this morning I saw that the kids had all the chores done! Cool! I know I am blessed with really great kids!! And not because they cleaned the house, but because they love us enough to want to do that for us. They are very special and very much loved. I am thankful each and everyday for them!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

What was your first “real” job?

Well, like most teenagers I did a ton of babysitting and made lots of money, but I won't count that. One of the ladies I babysat for offered me a seasonal job at Hickory Farms. I was a sales girl that wore the cute little apron and offered free samples of beef stick and cheese ball. I was introduced to my boss' brother on the first day and a year later we were engaged!

Soup

Where would you go if you wanted to spark your creativity?

I have no creativity at all and no artistic ability, but for some reason when we go to the Indianapolis Art Museum I always come home thinking I can paint beautiful pictures. LOL! So then when I get out my craft stuff and realize I so cannot even paint anything I get out a coloring book and my big box of Crayola's (I love me crayons) and color a picture! And I even stay in the lines! And sometimes I even hang it on my fridge! I'm very immature if you haven't realized that by now.

Salad

Complete this sentence: I am embarrassed when…

I am embarrassed when my bulldog passes gas when a lot of people are around! I want to say, "It wasn't me!"

Main Course

What values did your parents instill in you?

J.O.Y.

Jesus first
Others next
Yourself last

Dessert

Name 3 fads from your teenage years.

Feathered hair. And boy did mine feather beautifully! I used to look in the mirror all the time at how perfect my feathered hair was on each side..haha! I coulda been the next Farrah. :o)

Monogrammed sweaters. I had a navy, red and of course, purple sweater. I always wore a matching blouse underneath and thought I looked adorable. Thinking back I probably looked like an old woman!

And no, I am not going to even mention Donny because he was not a fad. So there! But the last fad I can think of was on Friday night's we all hung out at the arcades watching out boyfriend's play Galaga, Asteroids and DigDug. What a waste of time that was! I could have been home putting my Donny scrapbook together. Oops, I slipped him in again!

Question For Ya: If you could go back to high school and do it all over again, would you?

I'm So Excited...And I Just Can't Hide It...

2007-11-13T19:23:00.000-05:00

Hi Peeps! I am so happy because tomorrow I get to go on a road trip with my hubby!!! It will be my first "real" venture out since becoming so bionic! We are going to Pennsylvania to WyoTech to interview young men with the possibility of coming to work for us. Now that may not sound exciting to you, but what you don't know is we get to make a side trip and see my very dear friend, Teresa!!!!!!!

And this comes at a perfect time too. My friend is originally from England and has only lived in the states about six years. She used to live about two miles from me until they got transferred. Sadness! I'll have to tell you how we met sometime because it's a great story! Anyhoo, she moved to PA a few years back and met another English women, who just passed away from cancer last week.

My friend needs me. Please pray for me as I find the right words to encourager her. She is not a christian. I've shared the Gospel many times, but she does not see the need for a Saviour. She is such a good friend and one of those that will drop anything and everything to come take care of you if you call.

We are leaving tomorrow morning and won't be back until Friday. It's a quick trip and I pray that I do okay. I'm a little nervous, but thankful to have a getaway with my husband! Oh yeah, and the dog. Yep, she's going too. I have to share my husband with another woman. Good thing I'm not the jealous type!

I will "see" you when I get back! Thank you for your prayers for my friend and for me. I'm excited to see what God can do! Remember: I really do love all of you!

Oh, and by the way...I'm taking my dvd player on the road and my hubby said I could bring my Donny & Marie dvds to watch!!!!!!!!!!! Is he the best or what? I'm a little bit country.....I'm a little bit rock 'n roll........man is this gonna be F.U.N.

One Of My Favorite Days Ever!

2007-11-11T21:08:00.000-05:00

Okay peeps! You're gonna get to see me on one of my happiest days ever!! It was cold and rainy and my hair looked awful, but one of my dreams came true that day. I got to be up close and personal with my friends and feed them for the first time!!!! So cool!!!! I stayed there for hours in the nasty weather with that same silly grin I have on my face!

I sat down last night and turned on the telly. I was home alone so I got to watch whatever I wanted. As I was flipping through the channels I saw giraffes! The show was "Growing Up Giraffe" on the Animal Planet. Yeah baby! Next best thing to Donny Osmond is watching giraffes. I should have known better. I won't go into details, but a mama giraffe named Lady has a baby, which was traumatic in itself, but 2 1/2 months later Lady dies. Why oh why did I not turn the channel? I bawled and sobbed until I couldn't take it anymore. That's when I remembered my video!

I played it over and over until my hubby came home. He looked at me with worry and asked what happened. I told him. I cried again. He smiled. He wasn't making fun of me, he just knows I can't handle nature. He reminded me to never watch Animal Planet again alone!

Anyway, I just wanted to share a happy day in my life with you all! Maybe someday I'll be able to share a video of my wedding (to Donny)! LOL!

Besides your wedding and the birth of your kids what is one of your happiest days?

Thank Goodness It's Friday!

2007-11-09T09:13:00.001-05:00

UPDATE: Guess what I'm watching right now? My heart is going pitter patter! I feel like a teenager again. Thank you Oprah for having my guy on today!

UPDATED AGAIN: Oh my word, wasn't he still dreamy after all these years? And you know what? I really do feel better! I taped it so I could watch it over and over and over...well, you get the point! I LOVE YOU DONNY!

SATURDAY UPDATE: I am not lying, I honestly and genuinely feel better today! I only have a slight giggle in my throat because I'm still giddy after watching Oprah yesterday...hehehe!!!!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

Which snack do you like to get when you go to the movies?

Our movie theatre is great because if you go on Tuesday you can bring ANY size bowl, bucket or trash can and they fill it up for a quarter!!! And since a 30 gallon trash can of popcorn is not enough we get two large drinks and a large box of Milk Duds baby!

Soup

What year did you start using the internet?

To tell you the truth I'm not exactly sure, but I think it was about 2000. How long has it been around?

Salad

What is your first name in Pig Latin?

Myaay- I need a new name for it to work!

Main Course

Name something you are picky about.

I can be annoying because I like to have my cd's and dvd's in alphabetical order. Sometimes I get crazy and even put them it categories such as: christian, classical, rock 'n roll, and family. And in case you were wondering Donny's got a category all his own!

Dessert

Fill in the blanks: I ____ ____ yesterday and I ____ ____ today.

I was puny yesterday and I am worse today. (But I'll get better soon!)

1000 Blessing's Friday

161. I am blessed to live in a country where I can call a doctor and get a prescription the same day.

162. I am blessed because most of my medicines only cost me $5 each.

163. I am blessed with good friends. One of them stopped by yesterday and brought me a digital picture frame and filled it with Donny Osmond pics! We had a good laugh. What she doesn't realize is I am keeping those wonderful pics on there!

164. Speaking of Donny....Hey, these are MY blessings....he and like 100 other Osmond's are going to be on Oprah today!!!!! I have a feeling I will be cured after watching it!

165. I am blessed with happiness. My previous posts probably don't sound to jovial, but 99.9% of the time I am a very happy person. It just feels good to keep a smile on your face! But I also know it's okay to have a good cry when needed.

166. I am blessed with good blogging friends that e-mail back and forth. I really enjoy building these friendships!

167. I was blessed with finding a $20 bill in my winter coat! I seem to do that every year, but I'm not complaining.

168. I am blessed with a husband that takes good care of me. I've known many women with arthritis that their husbands eventually divorce them because they get tired of being a caretaker. I'm not talking mild aches and pains, but the kind I have where you're just in constant pain.

169. I am blessed with daily essentials. Money may be tight around here, but I always have toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper, etc.

170. We needed new tires on my van, our tub needs fixed, and we need a new water softener. My husband has been selling some things on e-Bay and they have brought in more money than we expected. God is good to us!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-11-08T14:48:00.000-05:00

13 Simple Things That Bring Me JOY!!!!

1. First and foremost, Jesus Christ and knowing that I will spend eternity with Him!

2. A really good hair day!

3. A thoughtful comment that stays on your mind, especially when you're sick!

4. A baby belly laughing!

5. Anything blue! It doesn't take much to make me happy!

6. Free samples in the mail!

7. Beating my own Tetris scores!

8. Friends that stop by to check on me!

9. Being outside in the cool crisp air, seeing the leaves change colors, watching the neighborhood kids at play and looking up at the big poofy cloudes in the brilliant blue sky!

10. Donny Osmond! Hey, I tried to slide him in so you wouldn't notice as much!

11. A long phone call with a friend full of laughter where you don't talk about anything really, but it's one of the best conversations you've ever had!

12. The perfect purse!

13. Call me crazy, but making lists bring me joy! Especially when I can check off a task or two!

What brings you joy?

Whuuut? Not Again!

2007-11-07T11:58:00.000-05:00

I promise not to carry on, but would you please keep me in your prayers. I am so happy I was able to go to church on Sunday, but I have come down again with something! My throat is killing me, my head is pounding and I have another temperature. It's not too high though, only 100.3.

My immune system is weak naturally because I have arthritis. I am assuming that having two major surgeries in two months would also contribute to it. Plus on top of that staying home for the most part for the last ten months I haven't been able to build my system up. Am I even making sense? You know what I mean, don't you?

I'll admit I did cry this morning. I was so sad because tonight is Awana and I can't go. I've only been able to go once since it started in September. And yes, I am being whiny and feeling sorry for myself. I guess it's because I just don't understand why I have to be sick today. Couldn't it have waited until tomorrow? I just really wanted to go to Awana tonight. I love those girls so much! There is a reason why I am not there. Not sure what it is though.

I promise to be good. I am blessed beyond measure and I will focus on that!

My heart goes out to Donny and his family on the loss of their father yesterday. It brings back so many memories of my dad. It's not easy.

Today is my mom's 72nd birthday. Her first one without dad. She went out to the cemetery today and took fresh flowers. I don't know how you feel about it, but I'm not one to visit cemeteries. To me, my dad is not there. He is in Heaven! But I don't know how I would be if my own husband passed away. I know it brings my mother comfort and that's what is important.

I sure don't want this post to sound so solemn. It's not doom and gloom around here! Let me think of something funny or good to tell before I sign off for the night...

I'm looking around my room right now and all I see is one stuffed giraffe after another! I know I am 43 years old, but people love to give me giraffes. My dresser looks like that of a young girl with all her stuffed animals. How can I part with them? I have a niece (born on my birthday) that is really good at the claw machines. Every Christmas I get at least three giraffes that she has won for me. And they are actually very cute! And then there's one from my dad that I will never get rid of. And then I have several from the little girls at Awana. Nope. I don't care how old I get, I'm keeping all of them!

Are you still here? Boy are you a glutton for punishment! I so need to quit rambling and get on with it. LOL!

Let me think of a question for the few that stop by. Oh! I have one.....

We all make mistakes in the kitchen at one time or another. What is one of yours?

I wanted to impress my boyfriend and make him his favorite casserole. It had a couple cans of soup and called for cornstarch to thicken it up. I had never used cornstarch before in my life. I kept adding a little bit and it never thickened up. I eventually added the entire box! It was still soupy, but I decided to bake it anyway. When it came out of the oven it looked beautiful and it was no longer soupy. Yay for me! We sat down to eat and when he put the spoon in the casserole to get a serving the spoon actually bent! It was so thick he had to get a knife and cut it. LOL!! And you know what? He married me anyway!

1000 Blessing's Friday on Sunday and an Award!

2007-11-04T16:01:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not I'm going on two weeks of being sick with this silly bug. BUT I still receive many daily blessings and I want to continue sharing them!

Oh, and one more thing...I haven't been to visit too many of you because what blogging time I have had was spent entering all those wonderful giveaways! Crazy, isn't it? And very addictive! Over six hundred I think. I entered about half of them. Surely I'll win something. Good luck to all of you that entered!

Okay, on with my week of blessings....

151. My salvation. I asked Jesus Christ to be my Saviour when I was eight years old. I know that if I were to die today I would immediately be in the arms of God!

152. Just like every other week I am blessed with a house full of laughter. Having a bad cough has been a struggle though because when I laugh it led to hacking which then led to more laughter because I sounded so pitiful. Maybe you had to be here, but it was funny!

153. We are blessed with five cars. Now they are not new by any means, but when my daughter's broke down this week I know we don't have to panic because there is always one to borrow.

154. This probably sounds awful, but I am thankful that I only had to get up twice on Halloween. I was the only one home that night and I was worried that we would have one trick or treater after the other. Plus we have lots of leftover candy that I can use for prizes at Awana.

155. I am always blessed with little surprises each week. My husband and kids are always bringing home some little treat whether it be a flower or my favorite drink or a new puzzle book to pass the time. I am loved!

156. I am blessed with good health. I know that probably sounds crazy because all I've done is complain forever, but other than arthritis I am in really good health and I am thankful for that. A little bit on the chunky side, but healthy none the less. :o)

157. I am blessed because I was able to go to the grocery store Saturday! I haven't set foot inside of Kroger for nine months. I have to admit I didn't know the price of food had gone up so much, but I managed to find some good deals. I found a good deal with full size candy bars priced at a quarter each. I bought 36 of them for my girls at Awana.

158. I was also blessed at the store by seeing many of my church friends I haven't seen in awhile. I got lots of hugs! And I'm still receiving cards from many of them weekly letting me know how much they are praying for me.

159. Okay, today is Sunday and I got to go to church this morning!!!!!! And it was a wonderful message on 1 Peter talking about pain with a purpose. One point that really stuck out for me was we need to reflect Christ in our submission and in our suffering. I thought of how much I've complained lately about having the flu thingy. I will work on this!

160. Yay! I found out that I one at least one of the prizes from the bloggy giveaway! I won a set of candles!! Plus I found a lot more ladies that I know I will enjoy reading. So many amazing women out there that inspire me. But I want to be careful because I really enjoy my friendships with you and want to continuing bulding that relationship. I pray for you gals all the time and think about you each and everyday.

Dianne gave me this award a couple of weeks ago. Thank you fellow Donny fan! This one is given to bloggers "who live what they preach, who try to make the changes in their own lives that they would like to see in the world." Like I said she gave this one to me before I got sick and griped the entire time. I have fallen short of my goal to glorify Christ in all I say and do. But like I said above the sermon today was just what I needed. His timing is perfect, isn't it?

Today I feel refreshed and energized again. I realize that you can do your Bible study and pray daily, but there is something about being in church and the fellowship of others that keep me going in the right direction!

1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

Thank you God for giving me a new life and a new hope through Jesus Christ. Give me the wisdom and courage to live a life of excellence as I choose to trust you.

Weebles Wobble

2007-10-30T18:35:00.000-04:00

Okay peeps, bear with me just another day! I should change the name of my blog to It's All About Me! I didn't mean to go on and on all week about my illness, which by the way is now walking pneumonia. But that's beside the point. I'll be fine. Someday. :o)

Anyhoo, I had my six week check up today for my hips and I have been released to start walking without my crutches!!!!!! Yay 4 me! Since getting sick over a week ago I have been to weak to do any of my exercises. Trust me, I wasn't being a wimp even though it sounds like it. I'm actually pretty tough in real life. Don't worry, when we meet in real life I don't talk about myself and complain like I do on this blog. I'm getting sidetracked now. What I was trying to say was I took my first official steps without my friends!

My doctor took the crutches away from me and there I stood....unaided. It really was like watching a baby taking their first steps. I didn't know what to do at first. Then I started singing~Put one foot in front of the other. I wobbled left then I wobbled right then left again, but soon I took a whole seven (cause that's my favorite number) wobbly, but for real, steps! All together now-Yay 4 me!

A very exciting day to say the least. Doc told me I would probably wobble for about six months, but it would get better. He is concerned about how bad my back is and gave me lots of new strengthening exercises to help. He said it took over a year to get that way and not to expect a miracle overnight. I've got a long road ahead of me, but I'm going to take it one wobbly step at a time!

Now it's time to exercise and eat right and lose weight and stop looking like a Weeble!

Still Sniffling Sunday

2007-10-28T18:52:00.000-04:00

Sniff. Cough. Immune system weak. Oh my! It's been over a week and I am still fighting this thing. And yes, I've been on an antibiotic since Monday. Might be time to switch to a stronger one, huh? If only Donny were here. I'm sure if he sang me a song I'd be cured! If any of you know him personally would you please send him my way? Thanks!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend! Our weather has cooled down big time and the leaves are a changing! Beautiful.

What sounds good to you right this very second? This is so weird, but I don't like candy corn and I am craving it right now. And I love chocolate. It sounds disgusting. What is wrong with me? So really, tell me, what are you craving right now?

It's Friday!

2007-10-26T12:50:00.000-04:00

1000 BLESSING’S FRIDAY

141. Most of you know it’s been a rough week for me. My first blessing is how sweet you all have been with your comments and most of all prayers. I am blessed with real friends!

142. I was blessed in the fact that someone was always home with me this week. I never felt all alone.

143. With it coming out every which way, I am blessed that I always made it to where I needed to be! You know what I mean, don’t you?

144. I received a gift from my Secret Pal at church that was filled with great stuff, including a $25 gift certificate to Culvers! Me spoiled. Me am!

145. Super K decided to help out around the house and started thoroughly cleaning my office. She said she would really help clean the entire house! Being down for a year and a half you can imagine how nasty it has become. So I feel totally blessed that she is willing to really do what is needed to clean a home, not just the surface!

146. I’m blessed with a beautiful home with large rooms and to live in a really nice quiet neighborhood with wonderful families.

147. Blessed with happiness and joy that surrounds me each and every day!

148. I know I've complained a lot this week, but I truly know how blessed I am to be able to stay at home and take care of myself when so many of you have to keep going and take care of your families even when you want to curl up and die! You are all inspirations to me.

149. Blessed with all the things we take for granted. Food. Water. Shelter. Clothes.

150. I’m blessed with a precious son who turns 17 today! I love him to death and consider it a real privilege and honor to call him my son.

FRIDAY’S FEAST

Appetizer

Name a great website you would recommend to others.

www.kidsinmind.com

As a Christian I want to be careful what our family watches. I really enjoy being able to get on this website and see their ratings for language, sex and violence. Without telling which characters are involved they also provide detailed information on each of these subjects.

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how often do you dream at night?

13+. I dream every night and have several dreams. I even have dreams within dreams. But my favorite part about dreaming is I NEVER EVER have arthritis! I can walk, run, jump, skip, do cartwheels and ride bikes. Cool, huh?

Salad

Did you have a pet as a child? If so, what kind and what was its name?

Oh boy, did I! I was always bringing home a stray cat. I had a white Persian named Angel and a gray tiger striped named Napoleon. And together they made four litters of beautiful kittens! I also went through a spell of having hamsters, turtles and fish. But they weren’t as much fun as playful kittens.

Main Course

If you had the chance to star in a commercial, what would you choose to advertise?

Little Debbies! They have a huge variety, something for everyone. Each snack averages about ten cents each which every thrifty mom is happy about. And they are always fresh and delicious! What’s your favorite Little Debbie?

Dessert

What is your favorite kind of hard candy?

I love good old fashioned Life Savers. My favorite is the pineapple. I’ll share. You can have the lime ones!

My New Friend

2007-10-24T09:43:00.000-04:00

Warning: TMI about to be revealed.

Still sick. Still grouchy. I figured I wasn't sick enough so I've added vomiting and diarrhea to my ailments. You know, just to mix it up a little! It's been a joy to sit on my friend and hold a trash can at the same time. My bedroom smells like death warmed over. And then baked twice. Don't ask me what that means. I'm delirious right now. No, not because my fever is now over 102, but because I saw Donny again on Entertainment Tonight! And I'm pretty sure Donny called out to me and told me he needs me. Or is that just the medicine talking? Darn.

Please Pardon This Momentary Interruption

2007-10-22T12:46:00.000-04:00

I'm sick. And I'm not happy. Kinda grouchy, actually. :o) Not really, but I'm not thrilled to be honest. I finally was able to get out in the "real" world. What I'm a figurin' is that being cooped up for nine months, plus having two surgeries so close together has probably done it's toll on my immune system. With all the lovin' I received at church on Sunday night and at Awana it's no surprise really.

I have a fever of 100.4, a tight cough, sinus drainage (yummy), a pounding headache, and every joint in my body is killing me. Even the replaced ones! How's that happen? I'll have to think long and hard on this one for my 1000 Blessing's Friday. Maybe it will have to do with all the popsicles I'm eating! LOL!

I know I usually ramble on and on, but for a change I'm cutting it short. I'm gonna go snuggle with a pillow or two. Okay, twenty. That is if I can get my dog off them!

SEE YOU IN A DAY OR TWO....sniff, sniff. Cough!

Another Full Fun Filled Friday!

2007-10-19T09:18:00.000-04:00

1000 BLESSING’S FRIDAY

131. I went on a date with Mustang Man Saturday night! We went to see the documentary In The Shadow Of The Moon. I cried when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. God is amazing, isn’t He? Can you imagine being able to walk on another planet? Way cool!

132. I was able to go to church on Sunday night! I know this is gonna sound stuck up and I certainly don’t mean it that way, but a lot of my church family lined up to give me a hug and welcome me back. I am blessed with a very loving church!

133. I was able to go to work again on Tuesday afternoon. Boy, was it crazy! The phone rang off the hook. I didn’t realize how much I missed the smell of grinding and welding! Blessed with being able to work with my man!

134. And then on Wednesday my MIL had her second knee replacement and is doing unbelievably well! I was able to go see her and all the family that flew in and drove over for the surgery. Mustang Man has a BIG family! I am blessed with many in-laws. And yes, every single one of us get along perfect! Really!

135. Plus I was able to go to Awana Wednesday night!!!!! We had 13 girls and I only knew four of them. So I was able to meet 9 precious souls. We have two Amy’s that are leaders so I teased the girls and said they could call me Queen if they wanted…lol! And several of them did! I’ll have to work on that next week, but it sure was nice to be back and I did feel like royalty. The kids didn’t want me to walk too much so they brought me whatever I needed. I can tell it’s going to be a wonderful year. Can’t wait to go back next week!

136. Thursday came and I confess that I had way over did it and was hurting…badly! But that’s okay. I stayed home in my pajamas and was able to work from my soft comfy bed. Plus it was very rainy and windy that day so it was best to stay put. I felt blessed because I enjoyed listening to the rain and watching the trees sway back and forth. I even had an hour of peace all to myself!

137. The leaves have FINALLY started changing! And boy are the beautiful. I can’t wait for the smell of burning leaves and watching my family jump in the piles of leaves. It’s fun to do no matter how old you are!

138. Money is tight, always. Goes along with owning your own business! I feel blessed when I can find really good deals using my coupons. Kroger had some great bargains this week and with using my coupons I’m going to be able to get some fun stuff for the kids like Toaster Strudels and some bags of candy for practically nothing!

139. Sleep! With all that's gone on for the past year and a half I've missed out on a whole mess of sleep. Now having my pain cut in half (at least!) I am able to sleep for several hours at a time! Let's just say that my sleepy time makes me a happier camper the next morning!

140. And when I wake up at night my thoughts are of each one of you. They really are! Is that weird? In the still of the night it gives me a great opportunity to pray for your needs. I am blessed in knowing that I have the privilege of praying for you and knowing you and being able to share my thoughts with you!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

If you were a dog, what breed would you be, and why?

Easy question...an English Bulldog! I'd love to come back as our dog because I know how much she is loved and spoiled. This picture was taken when we went to Michigan. We got a roll away bed for our son and she immediately claimed it! She would not budge until we bribe her with treats.

Soup

What does the color purple make you think of?

Uh, hello? And they called it puppy loooovvveeee! DONNY OSMOND of course!

Salad

Approximately how long does it take you to get ready each morning?

Ready for what? If I'm staying home the whole day then a quick brush of the hair and teeth and a pair of clean jammies and I'm good to go. Don't worry, I'm clean cuz I took my shower the night before. But if I am going to go anywhere then I will take another shower and put some extra time in for pampering. I'm slow right now so it takes about an hour and a half to get totally ready, but I'll get faster.

Main Course

How many cousins do you have, and are you close to them?

Okay, let me count them first......I have seventeen on my side and that does not include their spouses, which I also consider my cousins. And yes, we are close! And a pretty cool fact is that a little over half of us were born in the same hospital. Our kids are blessed with a mess of cousins, over 30!

Dessert

Take your initials (first, middle, last) and come up with something else those letters could stand for. (Example: SFO = Sweet Funny Otter)

ADS = Adorable Donny Sings!

Arthritis Does Stink!

Aching Dancing Stars

Amy Desires Speed :o)

Acting Dumb=Stupid!

He's Been Faithful

2007-10-17T10:01:00.000-04:00

April 26, 2006 Seems like yesterday. Seems like forever. I pushed hard to go to Awana that evening. The pain was intense. As the kids were helping me in the van I cried and screamed out in pain. I pleaded with God to help me make it one more night. Awana would soon be over and then I could rest.

My eyes filled with tears as I looked at the little girls sitting in front of me. “This is why I am here!” I smiled to myself. One of the little girls asked why I was crying. I gave her a hug and said, “Because I love all of you so much and I don’t want Awana to end.”

I waited for everyone to leave that night. At church I’m known for smiling all the time and I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the expectations. I didn’t want to let anyone down. My daughter drove the car up as close as she could to the door and they helped me walk to the van. Tears streaming I pleaded once again for God to help me get home.

Relieved to see my driveway I wondered how I would be able to make it up the three steps that taunted me. With two kids holding me under the arms and my daughter bringing up the rear (literally!) we managed to get inside. I sat down in the dining room. I knew I couldn’t do it anymore. I fought for months. I was stubborn. I gave in and asked for some old friends…my crutches.

I cried walking down the hallway to my bedroom. Partly because of pain, but mostly because I knew I had a long road ahead. “Why now?” I asked myself first and then God. My father needed me. My mother needed me. My family needed me.

Lying in bed that night I prayed that God would hold off until after my father passed away. I knew seeing me on crutches again would be upsetting to him. It would also be a reminder to him of his own physical limitations. My dad always drove me to my doctor appointments and physical therapy. That was our time together. I asked mom to tell him I was okay, but I was going to be using them for a little while just until I felt better. I never wanted him to know how bad it really was. He knew though. He was my dad. He knew me better than anyone.

It was a major struggle to visit my dad. The walk from the driveway to his bedroom was long and each step more painful than the last, but I was determined that nothing would stop me. I managed to see him often until he died on January 11, 2007. Within a couple of weeks I was done. I could no longer get up without major assistance. In fact, I couldn’t do anything for myself. I was just that stiff. I relied on my family for everything. I was quite bullheaded when it came to asking for help. That was very difficult for me. To me that represented failure. I felt I had given up.

There were days, many of them that I hoped were my last. I was ready for Heaven! I knew God didn’t give us more than we could handle, but this was getting to be too much. In my family’s eyes I could see the hurt. They so desperately wanted to help. They were already doing everything over and above expectations. I couldn’t thank them enough.

Everyday, all day long I focused on Philippians 4:13. Such a small verse but with a huge message. I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. I lived moment by moment. I tried to keep my sense of humor by singing this verse (and believe me, I cannot sing!) anytime and every time I moved. This made my kids laugh. And oh how good it feels to laugh!

Well, today it has been exactly seventy seven weeks since I asked for my reliable friends. It’s been rough I admit. I’ve still got a long road ahead. Because I have slouched for a year and a half my back is all messed up. I need to learn to walk again and to stand up straight. I have several more months with my faithful companions, but I can look back now with a smile and count my many blessings!

I've been blessed with pain relief! I still have a lot of pain because I have arthritis and a damaged body, but it is indescribable how much better I feel. And I have two new cool scars. Yes, I do like them. All my scars are a reminder to me of God's faithfulness. He sees me through each and every moment. Each and every hour. Each and every day!

I’ve been blessed to have Christian therapists and nurses. I’ve been blessed by so much love and support from my church family. I’ve been blessed with your prayers and making so many new friends through blogging. I’ve been blessed by my own family in more ways than I can count. And more importantly I’ve been blessed by God. He chose me and my family to be part of all of this.

Maybe I will never completely understand why He allowed the situation to enter our lives, but I have learned so much. He’s taught me to have more patience. He’s taught me a lot about my pride! He’s taught me to hold on tight and to trust in His perfect plan. I also was witness to changes in my family. Good changes. As much as it felt like it at the time this wasn’t all about me. I can honestly say that I am thankful for playing a small role in this huge blessing He has given to us!

Goofing Off Big Time!

2007-10-16T17:15:00.001-04:00

I should be ashamed of myself. But I am not! Today is my first official day back to work. Yay for me! But boy has it been hard to get motivated. Our internet hasn't been working at home for days so when I come into work....well, let's just say I have DSL and a lot of catching up to do!

Plus, how can I work when it is so GOR-JA-MOUS outside? I mean really! I also started another bad habit. Facebook. I know it's basically for the youngsters in this world, but it is too much fun! You can get pets and send gifts and flowers. I have a pet giraffe on mine. Shocker!

I'm in a happy, silly mood today. Do you think it has something to do with being set free and no longer trapped? Me too! And it sure feels good. I haven't gained all my strength back, but praise the Lord I will probably be able to get out about three times this week! I cannot tell you how excited I am about that! Life is good!!!

Haha! I am laughing because my husband called to see how much work I'm getting done today. Yikes! Do you think he knows my secret? I guess I'll get to it before he walks back in. Hugs to each and every one of you. Yes, you too!

Fabulous Fun Filled Friday!

2007-10-12T14:16:00.001-04:00

I'll start this wonderful day off with my continuation of 1000 Blessing's Friday....

121. I've been able to leave my home twice this week and venture out into the real world! People, when you've smelled the same room for nine months and go outside for the first time it is so refreshing. I couldn't get enough!

122. I had surgery last year to remove a kidney stone and the bill was astronomical. I've been paying on it little by little. I received a letter yesterday that said the hospital offered me 100% financial assistance and was wiping the rest of the bill clean! I cried I was so happy. I've never heard of such a thing, have you?

123. With the weather changing from 91 degrees to 58 in a matter of two days I wound up being extremely sore and stiff. But I made sure I kept warm and I took one extra pain pill to help get over the hurdle and I am SO much better today!

124. The sky is full of my kinda clouds today! You know. the big fat fluffy kind! I think I even saw an alligator in one of them.

125. I've got to see my man, Donny, all week on television. HeeHee!

126. I've been released this week from home physical therapy. I still have to do my exercises three times a day, but the therapist won't be coming.

127. Getting paid by customers on time has been an extra huge blessing.

128. My husband and I are going to get away for a weekend trip here pretty soon! I am so excited for the both of us. We will probably go to several antique stores and eat all kinds of bad stuff we shouldn't!

129. I'm surrounded by a loving, caring family. How can I not be blessed?

130. And realizing my blessings each week just makes me even happier than I already am!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

When was the last time you were surprised?

Well, if you read my blessing above you'll see that I had a really nice surprise on #122! My husband is always coming home with a little surprise for me. It can be a can of NOS or a new little flashlight that's blue....doesn't matter. It's nice knowing that he thinks of me when he's out and about.

Soup

Fill in the blanks: My eyes are ________, but I wish they were __________.

My eyes are filled with tears from yawning, but I wish they were clear so I can see what I am typing!

Salad

If you were a Beanie Baby, what would you look like and what would your name be?

I would be an extra soft, blue, chubby bear that when you pushed it's tummy it would laugh. My name would be Blueberry Giggles! How cute do I sound?

Main Course

Name two things you consistently do that you consider to be healthy habits.

Drink sugar free NOS...teehee! Okay, I'll get serious....

1. I brush my teeth at least three times a day and floss.

2. I've switched to all whole grains and whole wheats. Bye bye sourdough bread. I miss you!

Dessert

What brand of toothpaste are you using these days? Do you like it? Why or why not?

We've been using Colgate with something extra in it, I just don't know what. And yes, I like it very much because I like my teeth and to feel clean and my breath to smell minty fresh!

My sweet friend who I adore, Christine gave me this award the other day! She thinks I'm fab-u-lous! Now I have to admit I kinda like it! Hey, I'm not gonna lie. I'm trying to be totally honest with y'all. Plus it's pink and blue. How cute is that people? Now I have the honor of passing it on to five others that I would call fabulous darling......drum roll please......

Amy.....not only does she have a fabulous name, but one thing I love about her is how much she loves her husband! She's very supportive and I can tell is a real encouragment to him. They've just celebrated their sixth anniversary and I know will be celebrating a lifetime full of them!

Dianne....is fabulous because we share a lot of the same loves....being an aunt, Donny Osmond and Jesus Christ. Just by reading her blog you will feel like she's your friend that you've known a lifetime.

Southern Girl....we also have a lot in common. She loves her man Clay as much as I love mine. She loves her pets just like I do. She's lost a lot of weight...which I still need to do! I think she's fabulous because she makes me feel all kinds of emotions. One day you'll laugh until you're crying or one day you'll just sit and have a good cry with her. I can't wait to meet Southern Girl, whether it be here or in Heaven!

Goofy Girl...was one of my very first blogging friends and took me right under her wing. I think she ROCKS and is fabulous because she is such a go getter. I think she has a lot of spunk and good work ethic. She's gonna be a fantastic doctor here very soon. I think I better make an appointment before she's all booked up!

DeeDee....she's my girl. She makes me laugh so hard I have to p*ee. Yes, she is that funny! But there's more to her than just humor. She has a heart for God and raising her family in His eyes. She's been an encouragment to me when I was feeling at my lowest. I know she's my friend.

Thank you Christine! I think your FAB too!

Have a FABULOUS weekend everybody!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-10-11T06:28:00.000-04:00

13 Easy Questions To Get To Know Each Other Better

1. What’s your favorite color? See? That wasn’t so hard!

2. What’s your favorite quote?

3. Favorite television show?

4. What part of the chicken in your favorite?

5. When you get a cold or the flu are you tough or a big baby?

6. Are you more serious or a big dork?

7. Use one word to describe how you are feeling right now.

8. Name your worst habit.

9. Name a book that you could read over and over again.

10. Are you a collector of anything?

11. What’s one of your favorite blogs to read?

12. Name one thing you are passionate about.

13. Donny Osmond or David Cassidy? Sorry, couldn’t resist!

I'm feeling the love today people! Just want to say thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I love getting to know you better. If you want you can ask me a question! Hope all of you are having a great day.

Back To Work!

2007-10-09T16:35:00.000-04:00

I was so excited last night because I decided I would venture out again and come into work for the afternoon. I wasn't excited because I was coming to work, but because it gave me an excuse to make another list! :o) My kids just laughed at me as I squealed with glee when I got out my favorite pen and a piece of bright pink notebook paper.

I started down the left hand and wrote down numbers 1 through 5. Surely I wouldn't need to take more than that to the shop with me. It wasn't long until I added 6 through 10. I was getting writer's cramp by this point. But I was still smiling foolishly. Here's my list. Please remember I've been working from home for almost nine months. I'm very thorough when it comes to list making. Don't laugh and don't judge!

1. My laptop, mouse pad and mouse in my blue computer bag.

2. The company checkbook complete with envelopes and deposit slips

3. The personal checkbook - if time to do my own bills

4. Stamps - at least a half dozen

5. Receipts to file - only if they've been marked down in the checkbook

6. Receipts to mark down in the company checkbook

7. My high rise toilet seat - CANNOT FORGET!

8. A clean towel for me! Side note: it's a car shop. You think there's gonna be a towel a lady would use in the bathroom? HA!

9. A couple cans of Diet Dew

10. A bag of candy for my candy jar

11. My purse - remember my medicine, hand sanitizer, phone, and chapstick

12. A soft blanket to sit on. Don't know how it will feel to sit on something other than my bed!

13. My small personal fan.

14. A change of clothes.

15. Treats for the Woo.

16. A couple sample bags of healthy chips for me

17. Something to munch on for my husband - Twinkies, Little Debbies, Chips

18. Don't forget to call Grandma and have her bring Jordan to the shop!

19. A couple of my favorite pens ;o)

20. Girly things - candle, some new pictures of the family, air freshener and lotion

My husband saw my list and rolled his eyes. Whatever! Unless you are a list maker then you're just not gonna get it. I have a mind to mark out numbers 10 and 17. That'll show him!

The Other Woman

2007-10-08T14:23:00.000-04:00

The minute he laid eyes on the four puppies my husband pointed to her and said she's the one. He visited her everyday and held her in his arms as she napped. The day she turned six weeks old he brought her home! She only spent a few days in the doggy jail because he couldn't take the poor pitiful cries during the night. Sucker! He brought her to bed with us and she immediately snuggled up to him and slept the entire night.

Now five years later nothing has changed. She is in love with my husband! Every night when David goes to bed she lays her head on his chest and settles in for the night. He tells her to get on the end of the bed and she obeys. As I listen for him to fall asleep I watch her. She's smart. She waits for him to start snoring. She quietly starts to make her move. Little by little she inches her way back to her man. If he moves or stops snoring while she's making her move then she will stop dead in her tracks until she knows it's safe again! I told you she was smart.

I wouldn't have it any other way though. She is a constant companion. She is better behaved than the kids. Seriously! We only have to count to two when she is doing something she shouldn't. Being home bound for the past nine months has been survivable mostly because of her. She sits on the bed with me and looks deep in my eyes to let me know she cares. She loves me unconditionally. Her name is Wensleydale, but I call her Precious. She knows she is loved. If I had to share my husband with somebody (or something) else I couldn't have picked any better!

Fun Meme & A Reminder

2007-10-06T15:13:00.000-04:00

Kailani did this meme and it looked like a fun one! Come join in on all the fun and let's get to know one another on a deeper level...LOL!

What kind of soap is in your bathtub right now? Bath & Body Works Pink Grapefruit. Mmmmm. Makes you want to add a little sugar on me! :o)

Do you have any watermelon in your refrigerator? Sadly, no. I haven’t had any all summer long. Now I want one!

What would you change about your living room? Our fireplace doesn’t work, so I would like to get that fixed. It also needs some kind of decor out there. I have a few barn pictures up, but it’s rather bare.

Are the dishes in your dishwasher clean or dirty? Our dishwasher doesn’t work that well, so we keep our school lunch foods in there like chips, Little Debbies and pudding cups. Sad indeed.

What is in your fridge? It’s back to being empty again. I have plenty of condiments though if you wouldn’t mind bringing the meat and salad!

White or wheat bread? I’m trying to be good and eat whole wheat. But I prefer sourdough.

What is on top of your refrigerator? I try to keep it empty for the most part. I have a couple of baskets that the cats like to sleep in.

What color or design is on your shower curtain? Boring! It’s tan with a dark brown trim. Whatever!

How many plants are in your home? I am pleased to say I have two that I received when my father passed away in January. I have never ever, ever been able to keep a plant alive for more than a day so I am so happy!

Is your bed made right now? Sorta. We just put on new sheets and I folded our blankets and they are at the bottom of the bed. Doesn’t really matter because the bed is where I sit out day in and day out. For a few more weeks anyway.

Comet or Soft Scrub? Soft Scrub and a willing child to do the scrubbing!

Is your closet organized? For the most part. It’s not hard to organize jeans and t-shirts. My purses are in order and so are all my sneakers. You know, the important stuff!

Can you describe your flashlight? Who wants to know? It is actually beside my bed and is only four inches long. And you’ll never guess what color it is….blue! And boy does it shine!

Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home? I prefer glass, but I am such a klutz that my family won’t allow me to have one so I drink out of a plastic cup, preferably blue!

Do you have iced tea made in a pitcher right now? No, but that does sound nice right about now.

If you have a garage, is it cluttered? It’s full of bikes and two Mustangs and lots of car parts. I would have to say it’s an organized mess.

Curtains or blinds? Blinds, because our cats kept climbing the curtains and they destroyed them. Dumb cats!

How many pillows do you sleep with? LOL! I can’t count that high. Be right back to give an official answer……now don’t laugh, but I really do sleep with 18 pillows. They come in all shape and sizes. My therapist calls it my igloo!

Do you sleep with any lights on at night? For some reason I have started sleeping with the television on. I think it’s because I wake up all the time so I watch for a little bit and fall back asleep.

How often do you vacuum? We have several animals and some very messy kids so they sweep at least twice a week if not three times.

Standard toothbrush or electric? Just a standard one. I would probably have too much fun with an electric one!

What color is your toothbrush? BLUE of course!

Do you have a welcome mat on your front porch? Yes I do. It has Noah’s Ark on it. I guess that means you can’t come by yourself…you better bring a friend.

What is in your oven right now? A dead body! Oops, did I just type that out loud? I’ll change my answer to the oven racks.

Is there anything under your bed? My collection of dust bunnies. I probably should start naming them soon!

Chore you hate doing the most? Ironing. It’s too painful to stand right now and I get aggravated. So we’re going around wrinkly!

What retro items are in your home? I really can’t think of anything I have right now.

Do you have a separate room that you use as an office? Yes, but right now it’s too far away from the potty so I am working from my bedroom until I am a little faster. You wanted to know that, didn’t ya?

How many mirrors are in your home? Four. And my oldest daughter usually keeps them busy!

Do you have any hidden emergency money around your home? Not really, but we do have a water cooler jug that we throw all our change in and then cash it in at the end of the year. It can hold several hundreds of dollars. Might want to try it!

What color are your walls? Well, they are supposed to be off white, but with a husband who works on cars they have lots of smudge marks on them! Gotta love those eraser cleaning things! They do work peeps!

Do you keep any kind of protection weapons in your home? Just a ferocious bulldog that will lick you to death until you give her a treat!

What does your home smell like right now? Paint. My husband has been painting the front door.

Favorite candle scent? Mmmm, I love candles! I have one that I just love called pink grapefruit and I have no idea where I got it. It’s not a name brand.

What kind of pickles (if any) are in your refrigerator right now? Right now, none. I have a teenage boy who eats us out of house and home!

What color is your favorite Bible? Teal and it’s light so it’s easy to hold.

Ever been on your roof? Only when I’m pretending to be Spiderman.

Do you own a stereo? Yep and the kids usually have it going. Lately they are listening to Rascall Flatts ALL the time. I’m a little sick of it I must admit.

How many TVs do you have? Two and they are used a lot!

How many house phones? Three. And one of them is an old rotary phone. My kids asked me how to use it…LOL!

Do you have a housekeeper? I am blessed with several right now. And I am sure they can’t wait for me to take back over!

What style do you decorate in? Clearance or hand me downs! I used to be much batter, but after kids and so many pets I don’t bother. I figure once they are all gone we’ll get all brand new stuff for just us two.

Do you like solid colors in furniture or prints? I guess both, but I notice I pretty much pick solids.

Is there a smoke detector in your home? Yes, several of them!

In case of fire, what are the items in your house which you’d grab if you only could make one quick trip? Did you say quick trip? Then I would have to save myself at this point! But if I could actually walk right now I would grab my quilt I’ve slept under for years that my Grandma made just for me. And first I would grab any baby photos I have of my kids. Since they were adopted we only have a small handful and there’s no chance we could get them again. And lastly I might grab a candy bar because I would probably be hungry from all the rushing…lol!

Don't forget to check out the post below and sign up for The Autumn Goody Swap hosted by Christine @ Are We There Yet! I've already been buying stuff for my new friend!

Friday Fun!

2007-10-05T10:09:00.000-04:00

Christine is hostessing an Autumn Goody Swap! I have never been able to participate in something like this before and I am just down right excited!! I've already got some ideas of what I want to buy my recipient. It's not going to be costly and it's a great way to meet another blogger. I'm sure y'all don't know everybody out there yet! Please stop by her place today and sign up. And if you do would you please let her know Amy sent ya there? Because whoever gets the most referrals ALSO gets and extra gift from Christine herself! And I know it will be something good because she's sent me prizes before. Oh please join us, won't you?

1000 Blessing's Friday

111. The cooler weather is nice on my electric bill plus the smell of autumn is so refreshing!

112. Seeing Donny on Dancing with the Stars! :o)

113. A productive week of getting some chores done around the house. That always feels nice!

114. Therapy is going pretty well. My physical therapist will probably only come one more week and then it's all up to me to continue!

115. I've been getting back on a good healthy diet this week and it is going well. I didn't totally do my best, but I am pleased with how well I did for the first week. I am praying about it and determined to be more committed this week!

116. My daughter helped me wash my hair yesterday. I have very little upper body strength so it's nice to have a little pampering once in awhile!

117. Tonight will be the first time I get to get out of the house since September 14th! My husband is going to take me out to dinner at Romano's Macaroni grill! And yes, I can behave there. I've already been online to see the nutrition chart so I don't have to worry. They even offer whole wheat pasta.

118. My pastor came out for a visit this week! He's only been with us about 10 months and he is the most caring pastor we've ever had. Our church is truly blessed!

119. My mother has been stopping by frequently this week. It's always nice to visit with her for a little while. She's a dear friend!

120. I've been blessed with having a few moments all to myself! I love my family, but it's hard to think when you have someone constantly demanding your attention. It was much needed!

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you look forward to your birthday?

TWELVE!! My family treats me like Queen for a Day and I have to admit I love all the attention! Plus we usually spend the entire day together just having fun and I love that part of it the most. Plus the Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake isn't bad either!

Soup

What is one word you don’t like the sound, spelling, or meaning of?

Retarded. I'm so tired of hearing people use that word as an adjective or calling people that.

Salad

Do you wear sunglasses when you’re outside? If so, what does your current pair look like?

I gotta look cool don't I? So yes, I do! They're nothing fancy, but a pair of black rimmed sunglasses that make me look tough. LOL!

Main Course

If you were to write a book, to whom would you dedicate it?

My parents. I know most people think their parents are the best, but mine truly are! God blessed me in more way than I can count when he put us together!

Dessert

Name a beverage that you enjoy.

I mention it often, but I do love me a can of NOS! It's an energy drink. Ever had one?

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Love each other and enjoy every minute you have together as a couple or a family! Hugs to one and all!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-10-04T09:33:00.000-04:00

13 Chores My Girls Need To Do Today

1. The dishes. And no cheating and using the dishwasher! By hand baby.

2. Vacuuming all the carpets.

3. Dusting every nook and cranny.

4. Sweeping and swiffering the hard floors.

5. It's a beautiful day. I think some weeding needs to take place!

6. There's always wallpaper to peel.

7. Bathrooms - enough said.

8. Laundry. At least 4 loads so we can get caught up.

9. Changing all the bed sheets.

10. Clean out the refridgerator. Nasty!

11. Washing down the siding outside. Bugs are plastered everywhere!

12. Wash the mirrors.

13. After all is said and done, maybe they can just keep me company today. I'm not that cruel. But if they volunteered to do any of these things I would not say no!

What's on your chore list today?

2007-10-03T09:29:00.000-04:00

Alone, in the dead of the night
Lying in the blinding darkness
Listening to the deafening silence
My eyes begin to fill

My thoughts of you are dear
I cling tight to the memories
Never wanting to forget
I'm still a daddy's girl

Will the aching ever wain
Will there ever be a day I don't think of you
Will I ever feel strong when I speak of name
Will the tears ever slow

My heart can't cry any louder
I cry because I miss you
I cry because I need you
I cry because I am happy for you. I am.

2007-10-01T12:30:00.000-04:00

1. How do you like your eggs?

I have to be in the mood for eggs, but when I am I love to have two fried eggs, over medium – you know, with runny centers so I can dip my toast in it. My family thinks I’m disgusting! Mmmmm.

2. How do you take your coffee/tea?

No coffee for me, but I love hot tea with sugar and a splash of milk. I have a British friend that made it for me and I loved it! If you’ve never tried it you must. It’s so good!

3. Favorite breakfast food:

I adore most breakfast foods from sugary cereals to maple and brown sugar oatmeal, but if I have to choose one I would pick biscuits and sausage gravy. Why does the best tasting stuff have to be so bad for you?

4. Peanut butter - smooth or crunchy?

Smooth with a little bit of butter and maple syrup slightly mixed in!

5. What kind of dressing on your salad?

Oh, I like all kinds. It depends on what I put on my salad. If I make a basic one with lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes then I use French. When I make a salad with egg, bacon, cheese I use Thousand Island and I top it off with raisins and sunflower seeds.

6. Coke or Pepsi?

If I had to choose I would pick a Cherry Coke, I guess. But if you’re dying to know I like Diet Mt. Dew the bestest!

7. You’re feeling lazy, what do you make?

A bag of microwave popcorn. Just as long as I have my own bag. I’m pretty selfish when it comes to my popcorn. I love kettle corn too!

8. You’re feeling really lazy. What kind of pizza do you order?

Mmmm, a large Arni’s (small local chain) pepperoni and bacon! So bad yet so good at the same time. In fact my husband and daughter are having lunch there right now. I’m jealous, but I do not need it.

9. You feel like cooking. What do you make?

I answered a question like this the other day. I think it was on Friday’s Feast. I’ll make this one different. I’m in a baking kind of mood so I will spend the day making some homemade bread, oatmeal raisin cookies, a peach cobbler, and a big pot of creamy, cheesy potato soup!

10. Do any foods bring back good memories?

The smell of breakfast reminds me of my Grandma Treadway. She would wake up about 5 am and make the whole spread. I’m talking all homemade too! Let’s start with a side of thick back bacon, melt in your mouth biscuits, sausage gravy, grits, eggs (just the way I like ‘em), hot, steamy cornbread and butter, thick slices of fried ham, and apple pancakes! No wonder I gained so much weight every vacation!

11. Do any foods bring back bad memories?

Oh yes! I hated peas with a passion as a child. One night my mother was determined that my brother and I were going to eat them. I managed to swallow several by putting a spoonful of peas in my mouth and then taking a big swig of my Kool Aid. But then I ran out of Kool Aid and mom wouldn’t let me have anymore. My brother and I sat there for over an hour. Mom said we could either take a spanking or finish our peas. My brother chose the spanking, but I continued on until I finished them. My mom was such a sweet woman, but she must have had enough of us that day because this was unusual for her! She says she feels bad about that to this day.

12. Do any foods remind you of someone?

Oh sure, apples remind me of my grandma because before we headed home she always made me a fried apple pie for the journey and would send me home with my own jar of fried apples. And peanut butter reminds me of my daddy. He just loved it so much and I loved his peanut butter, butter and syrup sandwiches!

13. Is there a food you refuse to eat?

Plenty of ‘em. Alcohol (well, to drink) beets, cottage cheese, duck, egg foo yung, frog legs, goat’s milk, hominy, ice cream (mint flavored), jalapenos, kangaroo, liver, Mounds candy bar, natural peanut butter, oysters, peas, quail, rabbit, sushi, tongue, undercooked hamburger, veal, white chocolate, (e)xtra dark chocolate, yams, and zebra!

14. What was your favorite food as a child?

This sound so funny, but as a child it was such a treat to pick out a tv dinner! A kid could get tired of all the homemade soups and fresh from the garden veggies. It was rare to get a tv dinner, but when I did I would pick out a salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and corn. And when they added the chocolate pudding I thought I had died and gone to Heaven! And back then we had to cook them in the oven. None of this three minutes in a microwave!

15. Is there a food that you hated as a child but now like?

Yes, I couldn’t stand cooked carrots and now I simply adore them, especially if they are from Cracker Barrel in all there buttery goodness!

16. Is there a food that you liked as a child but now hate?

Hominy, and I have no idea why I would like it as a kid. It’s just plain nasty!

17. Favorite fruit and vegetable:

I love, love, love me some pineapple! But I love most fruits though. And my favorite veggie would have to be carrots, but I sure have been enjoying some yummy green beans from all the meals the church ladies have brought in!

18. Favorite junk food:

Oh how I love popcorn and Milk Duds. And I’ll admit what a hog I can be. As you know I can eat an entire bag of microwave popcorn. I also can down a whole 5 ounce box of duds. It may not sound like much, but it really is too much for a normal person. Then again, I’m not what most people call normal!

19. Favorite between meal snack:

As much as it sounds like I eat terribly unhealthy I would choose a piece of fruit or a candy bar….just kidding!

20. Do you have any weird food habits?

You bet’cha! I either eat one thing at a time or mix them all together. And I have to eat my veggies first because I love them, plus they get cold quickly.

21. You’re on a diet. What food(s) do you fill up on?

I love veggies big time so I’ll just have a big plate of green beans and carrots with a slice of whole wheat bread.

22. You’re off your diet. Now what would you like?

I’m off to Romano’s Macaroni Grill for some Penne Rustica! And I’ll have some Tiramisu for dessert. I’ll be sure and wear my stretchy pants!

23. How spicy do you order Indian/Thai?

I’ve never had the pleasure of trying either. I do know that when I have Mexican food it’s not that spicy. I don’t mind a little kick, but I’m pretty tame when it comes to spicy foods.

24. Can I get you a drink?

Yes, please. I would like a sugar free NOS or a Diet Mt. Dew. But since I don’t need either of those I’ll take a nice icy cold glass of water with a splash of lemon.

25. Red wine or white?

None for me, thank you.

26. Favorite dessert?

My husband’s Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake please and a glass of milk. And don’t judge me by the size of my piece of cake please. :o)

27. The perfect nightcap?

A cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows melting in it sounds nice!

This was a fun meme! When I am trying to be good and diet it helps me to talk about food and read cookbooks. Isn’t that silly? I would think it would make me slobber and more hungry. I’ve been looking at a cookie book and thought I would share an easy recipe or two. I love anything that’s easy and these certainly are because you start with a cake mix. And they are good, I promise you!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

1 spice cake mix
1/3 C packed dark brown sugar
2 sticks butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 ¼ C raisins
2 C quick-cooking oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl place half of the cake mix along with the brown sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract and raisins. Blend with an electric mixer set on medium to high speed 1 to 2 minutes, until blended and smooth. Stir in the remaining cake mix and oats with a wooden spoon until all dry ingredients are well blended (dough will be very stiff).

Drop by level ¼ cupfuls, 2 inches apart, onto prepared cookie sheets; flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.

Bake 13-17 minutes or until set at edges and just barely set at center when lightly touched. Cool 1 minute on sheets. Makes 2 dozen big cookies.

Snickerdoodles

1 white cake mix
¼ C vegetable oil
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ C sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl place the cake mix, eggs, oil and nutmeg. Mix with a wooden spoon until just well blended and all dry ingredients are moistened (dough will be very stiff).

Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish or bowl. Form dough into 1 inch balls; roll in cinnamon sugar. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes, until set at edges and just barely set at center when lightly touched. Cool 1 minute on sheets. Makes 4 dozen cookies.

1000 Blessing's Friday & Friday's Feast

2007-09-28T12:33:00.000-04:00

1000 Blessing's Friday

101. We just received our last meal the church is providing, but get a load of what all she brought: huge bowl of chicken and rice soup, green beans, augratin potatoes, applesauce jello, a whole loaf of banana bread, a whole loaf of zucchini bread, 9 x 13 pan of chicken and cheese casserole and a big old triple layer chocolate cake! Enough to feed a small army or a hungry Amy!

102. Coupons for energy drinks that I don’t need! When I indulge on one of my beloved drinks it will only cost $1.00. It’s still way too much, but it’s a treat I have now and then.

103. Clearance candles for only 25 cents! My daughter bought me about a dozen and at first I was skeptical. I’ve been burning one today and it had lasted for hours and has made the house smell wonderful. Normally cheap candles don’t do a bit of good.

104. Full size candy bars also for only 25 cents! No, these are not for me because I HAVE to lose weight. They make terrific prizes for my Chums in Awanas. The month of October is BARF month. BARF stands for Be A Real Friend / Bring A Real Friend. For each new girl that comes she gets a candy bar and so does the one who invited her!

105. Texting. My daughter has had to work as the overnight cashier, which makes her father and me very nervous. But all through the night we’ve been able to text and ask if she’s doing okay.

106. Cash Cab! Have you seen this show? It’s so simple and yet so fun. And my husband is so smart so I know that when we appear on it someday we will win tons of money!

107. Finding pretty thank you cards at the Dollar Tree. I know it sounds cheap, but I wanted to send out a card to all the families that provided meals and also to those that sent cards over and over. I had to buy a lot and they were just as pretty as the ones you find at Target or a Hallmark store. Plus they were only 10 cents each!

108. On the show Bringing Home Baby yesterday, this couple had twin girls. Oh my goodness were they the prettiest, tiniest babies I have ever seen. I just couldn’t help but oooh and ahhh over them the entire show. I know I don’t know them and probably never will, but they were just so sweet and brought a silly grin to my face for a half an hour!

109. The new season of Dancing with the Stars started this week. Should I count this as a blessing? I say yes because as of right now I’m still not able to get out and about and

110. Laughter! I have laughed out loud so much this week over this and that and it just feels so good! What makes you laugh out loud?

FRIDAY'S FEAST

Appetizer

How are you today?

I'm happy! No particular reason, I just am.

Name 3 television shows you watch on a regular basis.

I will be watching Dancing with the Stars, Cash Cab and reruns of King of Queens. I love television and waste a lot of time watching it. Me bad!

Salad

What’s the scariest weather situation you’ve experienced?

It was so foggy coming home one night that you could only see about five feet in front of you. We were driving a big truck and all of the sudden out of nowhere there was a man walking in the middle of the road. It was a miracle that we didn't run him over! Why he was walking in the middle of the road on such a foggy night I will never understand.

Fortunately I have never had any horrible weather experiences!

Main Course

If you could wake up tomorrow morning in another country, where would you want to be?

Back at the bed and breakfast in Switzerland I was fortunate to stay in with my husband. I can picture us in our pj's on the balcony wrapped up in our down comforter sipping hot chocolate and breathing in the cool, crisp air!

Dessert

What do you usually wear to sleep?

Wouldn't you like to know! How does a silky black negligee sound? Too bad! I sleep in a variety of big comfy t-shirts. I actually have a nightgown we call Thin Min because it was an over sized pink nightgown with Minnie Mouse on it. I wore if for years and years and after a while it got so thin you could see everything! It is so soft and comfy that even my hubby put it on one time and wanted to wear it! LOL! Sexy!