Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Free October Wallpaper
Haley's Angels
Delvan and I have been friends since childhood. I adore him. He is funny and charming and most of all, he loves his kids. His daughter, Haley, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes a few years ago. His Daddy's heart can't stand to watch her struggle with this disease. I know Delvan. He would take it from her if he could, but since he can't he is doing what he can. He supports Haley each year as she captains a team at the Juvenile Diabetes "Walk for a Cure!". This year's walk will be held on October 18th at Mayes Lake (LeFleur's Bluff State Park) and will begin at 9:00 a.m.
For more information, visit Delvan's blog: Haley's Angels
Statistics and Warning Signs
· As many as 3 million Americans may have type 1 diabetes.
· Each year over 15,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. That's 40 children per day.
· Warning signs of type 1 diabetes include: extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness or lethargy, increased appetite, sudden weight loss for no reason, sudden vision changes, sugar in urine, fruity odor on breath, heavy or labored breathing, stupor or unconsciousness. These may occur suddenly.
Kids should be kids. They shouldn't have to deal with a disease -- any disease. Let's pull out or wallet or put on our walking shoes to help!
For more information, visit Delvan's blog: Haley's Angels
Statistics and Warning Signs
· As many as 3 million Americans may have type 1 diabetes.
· Each year over 15,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. That's 40 children per day.
· Warning signs of type 1 diabetes include: extreme thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness or lethargy, increased appetite, sudden weight loss for no reason, sudden vision changes, sugar in urine, fruity odor on breath, heavy or labored breathing, stupor or unconsciousness. These may occur suddenly.
Kids should be kids. They shouldn't have to deal with a disease -- any disease. Let's pull out or wallet or put on our walking shoes to help!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Am I Out Of The Loop?
Somebody should start an email alert system if people are going to change the rules on us. First, Confessions showed up and there was no cake at the shower she went to and we were all horrified. I mean that is something that you have to prepare for before you arrive. She had me worried because I was invited to a shower this past weekend and I made sure I ate a small sandwich before I went just in case there was a new "no cake" rule. Fortunately for me, this shower was all out on the food. Not only cake, but petit fors and sandwiches, cheese straws, and mini cheese quiche.
Just when I had started to relax a little and think that maybe things hadn't gotten gone crazy, we received the birthday "package" in the mail. I refer to it as the "package" because it was about 1/2" thick and we had no idea what was in the envelope although Little Guy said he was certain it was a birthday invitation. We told him it couldn't be since birthday invitations were just a card with the date, time and place. We were wrong and he was right. This envelope contained not only the invitation, but a full two page print out of all the things that birthday child had picked out and registered for at a local store. The cheapest item on the list was $15.00.
Am I out of the loop? Is this the way people are doing birthday invitations now? My boys last two birthday parties were really laid back. They called some friends. They came over after school. We ordered pizza. They played and spent the night and just had fun. Most of the boys didn't really realize it was a birthday until we pulled out the cake. I heard Little Guy tell one of his friends on the phone, "Dude, don't bring a present. Just come to my house and play."
I know that I am very weird (and I acknowledge that!), but somehow this just seems a little over the top to send out such an list in your birthday invitation. What do you think?
Just when I had started to relax a little and think that maybe things hadn't gotten gone crazy, we received the birthday "package" in the mail. I refer to it as the "package" because it was about 1/2" thick and we had no idea what was in the envelope although Little Guy said he was certain it was a birthday invitation. We told him it couldn't be since birthday invitations were just a card with the date, time and place. We were wrong and he was right. This envelope contained not only the invitation, but a full two page print out of all the things that birthday child had picked out and registered for at a local store. The cheapest item on the list was $15.00.
Am I out of the loop? Is this the way people are doing birthday invitations now? My boys last two birthday parties were really laid back. They called some friends. They came over after school. We ordered pizza. They played and spent the night and just had fun. Most of the boys didn't really realize it was a birthday until we pulled out the cake. I heard Little Guy tell one of his friends on the phone, "Dude, don't bring a present. Just come to my house and play."
I know that I am very weird (and I acknowledge that!), but somehow this just seems a little over the top to send out such an list in your birthday invitation. What do you think?
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Bible.... Through the Eyes of a Child
A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible.
I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching???
Through the eyes of a child:
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The
Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.
Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because
mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.
Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or
something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham.
Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him,
but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau
sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really
loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights
out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues
included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments.
These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of
Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon
who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise,
but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets.
One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were
also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem
in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door!
Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans.
Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they
named a terrible vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even
preached to some Germans on the Mount.
But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for
Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again.
He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of
Revolution.
I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching???
Through the eyes of a child:
The Children's Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The
Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.
Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because
mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.
Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or
something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham.
Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him,
but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau
sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really
loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights
out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues
included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments.
These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of
Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon
who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise,
but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets.
One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were
also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem
in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door!
Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans.
Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they
named a terrible vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even
preached to some Germans on the Mount.
But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for
Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again.
He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of
Revolution.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
And The Book Winner Is...
Congratulations to....Juice!
My boys used a very scientific method of pulling a name out of a Mississippi State baseball cap.
You were chosen to receive my copy of "Faking Grace"
If you will email me your address I will mail you the book.
If you missed the review on this great book, you can read it here.
Saturday Savings: Cost Effective Ingredients
When you are grocery shopping, what items can you add to your grocery list that will help you make the most of your budget?
Grains - Hearty grains is a perfect addition to any meal and one of the cheapest ingredients you can find. Make nice hearty salads, put in soups, or serve as an accompaniment.
Pasta - Pasta is the perfect for any meal and can be used for so many things. It is also very versatile and very inexpensive.
Beans and lentils - Beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas... with so many different kinds to choose from it is difficult to run out of options. To get the most of your budget money, buy them dry and cook them yourself. If you haven't already, give a hummus recipe a try.
Potatoes - Baked potatoes, potato soup, oven baked fries, potatoes au gratin, potato pancakes, hash browns.... buy a large bag and let your imagination go wild!
Cabbage - This is very nutritious and packed with vitamins.
Vegetables - Have you visited your Farmer's Market? You might be amazed at what you can get for your dollar. However, you might be surprised to know that buying canned or frozen vegetables are a good alternative since they are canned and frozen at their peak.
Onions, Carrots & Celery - Among the cheapest of the veggies, these can be a great base for many of your recipes!
Canned Tomatoes - Stock up on these when they are on sale. Perfect for soup, stew, tomaco sauce, salsa and tons of other recipes.
Bullion Cubes - Why buy cartons of stock when you can make it for a fraction of the cost using these cubes? These also provide good flavor for some of your other dishes as well. I often drop a boullion cube into my spaghetti noodles or rice whiel it is cooking.
Meat - Buy larger packs of meat and repackage it yourself.
Sausage - A large pack of good quality sausage does not have to be very expensive. A little bit of sausage can add a lot of flavor in a dish!
Eggs - Eggs are healthy, relatively inexpensive and good at any meal of the day. Whether you are eating scrambled eggs for breakfast, a boiled egg for snack or an egg sandwich for supper, eggs really are a great thing to keep in your refrigerator.
Spices - Never underestimate the importance of your spice rack. Budget cooking doesn't mean boring. Kick up those favorite dishes with a few new spices.
Grains - Hearty grains is a perfect addition to any meal and one of the cheapest ingredients you can find. Make nice hearty salads, put in soups, or serve as an accompaniment.
Pasta - Pasta is the perfect for any meal and can be used for so many things. It is also very versatile and very inexpensive.
Beans and lentils - Beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas... with so many different kinds to choose from it is difficult to run out of options. To get the most of your budget money, buy them dry and cook them yourself. If you haven't already, give a hummus recipe a try.
Potatoes - Baked potatoes, potato soup, oven baked fries, potatoes au gratin, potato pancakes, hash browns.... buy a large bag and let your imagination go wild!
Cabbage - This is very nutritious and packed with vitamins.
Vegetables - Have you visited your Farmer's Market? You might be amazed at what you can get for your dollar. However, you might be surprised to know that buying canned or frozen vegetables are a good alternative since they are canned and frozen at their peak.
Onions, Carrots & Celery - Among the cheapest of the veggies, these can be a great base for many of your recipes!
Canned Tomatoes - Stock up on these when they are on sale. Perfect for soup, stew, tomaco sauce, salsa and tons of other recipes.
Bullion Cubes - Why buy cartons of stock when you can make it for a fraction of the cost using these cubes? These also provide good flavor for some of your other dishes as well. I often drop a boullion cube into my spaghetti noodles or rice whiel it is cooking.
Meat - Buy larger packs of meat and repackage it yourself.
Sausage - A large pack of good quality sausage does not have to be very expensive. A little bit of sausage can add a lot of flavor in a dish!
Eggs - Eggs are healthy, relatively inexpensive and good at any meal of the day. Whether you are eating scrambled eggs for breakfast, a boiled egg for snack or an egg sandwich for supper, eggs really are a great thing to keep in your refrigerator.
Spices - Never underestimate the importance of your spice rack. Budget cooking doesn't mean boring. Kick up those favorite dishes with a few new spices.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Thankful Thursday
Things I am Thankful For This Week
My Sweet Husband. He sees me when I am weak and loves me as if I am strong. My heart still skips a beat when I hear him walking through the door every day.
My Big Guy. He is truly a young man. He oozes talent and unbelievable intelligence. I love watching him stand in the back yard and practice his trumpet. I can't wait to see him on the football field. I am constantly challenged by the questions he asks and the depth of his heart.
My Little Guy. My snuggle bug. He is my social magnet. He never meets a stranger and seems to have the ability to make anyone comfortable no matter their age wherever we are. You have a natural sense of humor and constantly catch us off guard with your natural wit.
Our cat, Kit Kat. She was an unexpected pet, but we love her. We haven't had one mouse or squirrel problem since she arrived. She is worth her weight in cat food!
A constant supply of books to read. Being a book reviewer is GREAT!
For this sweet award from Lisa at Blessed with Grace. She hosts "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday" each week. People bring recipes and join the fun. I love finding new recipes to try. If you love finding new recipes, come and join us!
And for this cute award from Dr. Wifey.
I would love to pass this award to:
* Belle's Best
* Sara
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
WFMW - Movies In Review
When my Big Guy walks up to me, I am still stunned that we are looking eye to eye. When did that happen? He entered middle school this year. He is exploring music, movies, games, videos even more... deciding what he likes. But when it boils down to it, we are his parents and we still set the guidelines.Recently, when he wanted to watch The Dark Knight, he accepted our veto much easier after we had a chance to voice our concerns and gave him the chance to read the review provided by our favorite review site, "Plugged In Online".
I turned to PluggedIn to find out about P.O.D. when Big Guy started talking about this music group he thought was so cool.
I have spent the first eleven years of Big Guy's life teaching him that "whatever you are filled with spills when you are bumped". The middle school years are very bumpy -- it hasn't been that long ago -- I remember. That is why I plan to continue to use PluggedIn Online as a resource to evaluate the games, videos, music and television that my sons are interested in.
I'm the Mom.... that's my job.
WFW: Connect
"Speak, for your servant is listening!" 1 Samuel 3:10
Today's Word Filled Wednesday is in honor of the more than 3 million students from all over the United States who will gather around the flag poles of their schools this morning at 7:00 a.m to pray. Even more students in 20 countries like Canada, Guam, Korea, Japan, Turkey, and the Ivory Coast, students are responding to God and taking seriously the challenge to pray.
See You At The Pole began in 1990. It was an idea that was planted by God in the hearts of a group of teenagers. The difference between this idea and others? Obedience. A group of 45,000 teens were challenged at a DiscipleNow retreat to go and pray. By the next year the See You at The Pole event had grown to one million students.
Hubs and I will be going as part of the prayer support team to our son's school this morning to stand in support of the students who will be praying this morning. We will also be providing them a simple continental breakfast following the prayer time.
As you drive past schools today or as you see a flag pole, pray. Pray for our kids. School is not the same place it was when we were growing up. They need our prayers for safety, security and education.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Come On Over Ya'll!
Today's Featured Recipe Is:
Come on over every Tuesday for "Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays"
hosted by Lisa @ Blessed with Grace
and bring a recipe!
When The Light Comes On -- Roaches Scatter
I have been thinking a lot about Moses the past couple of weeks. God has been helping me to see some of Moses' life experiences in a brand new way. Moses' life was filled with "wilderness", loneliness and even rejection. Consider this: 40 years in the dessert followed by years of representing a grumbling, whining, people who finally follow him out of Egypt to wander in the dessert for another 40 years until they arrive at the Promised Land which Moses wasn't allowed to enter because of his disobedience.
And what about Jesus? Perfect in every way. Willing to die for our sins so that we could have eternal life. He had twelve disciples who lived with him 24/7 but when the rubber met the road where were they? Nowhere to be found.
I have learned a lot over the past year, but the one thing I have figured out I already knew from studying the Bible. If you are doing the right thing. You stand alone.
Whether you are Moses leading the people out of Egypt.
Whether you are Jesus hanging on a cross.
or whether you are just a mom trying to do what is right.
You have to make a decision. Count the cost. Be willing to stand alone.
For a more rudimentary analogy: When the lights come on, the roaches scatter. (Shiver.)
And what about Jesus? Perfect in every way. Willing to die for our sins so that we could have eternal life. He had twelve disciples who lived with him 24/7 but when the rubber met the road where were they? Nowhere to be found.
I have learned a lot over the past year, but the one thing I have figured out I already knew from studying the Bible. If you are doing the right thing. You stand alone.
Whether you are Moses leading the people out of Egypt.
Whether you are Jesus hanging on a cross.
or whether you are just a mom trying to do what is right.
You have to make a decision. Count the cost. Be willing to stand alone.
For a more rudimentary analogy: When the lights come on, the roaches scatter. (Shiver.)
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Truth
The following aren't my words, but something someone sent me:
Death is certain but the Bible speaks about untimely death!
Make a personal reflection about this.....
It is written in the Bible (Galatians 6:7):
'Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sow, it shall he also reap.
Here are some men and women who mocked God :
John Lennon (Singer):
Some years before, during his interview with an American Magazine, he said:
'Christianity will end, it will disappear. I do not have to argue about that. I am certain.
Jesus was ok, but his subjects were too simple, today we are more famous than Him' (1966).
Lennon, after saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, was shot six times.
Tancredo Neves (President of Brazil ):
During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500,000 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from Presidency. Sure he got the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then he died.
Cazuza (Bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer and poet):
During A show in Canecio ( Rio de Janeiro while smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said:'God, that's for you.' He died at the age of 32 of LUNG CANCER in a horrible manner.
The man who built the Titanic:
After the construction of Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic would be.
With an ironic tone he said:'Not even God can sink it'
The result: I think you all know what happened to the Titanic
Marilyn Monroe (Actress)
She was visited by Billy Graham during a presentation of a show. He said the Spirit of God had sent him to preach to her. After hearing what the Preacher had to say, she said:
'I don't need your Jesus'. A week later, she was found dead in her apartment
Bon Scott (Singer)
The ex-vocalist of the AC/DC. On one of his 1979 songs he sang: 'Don't stop me; I'm going down all the way, down the highway to hell'. On the 19th of February 1980, Bon Scott was found dead, he had been choked by his own vomit.
Campinas (IN 2005)
In Campinas , Brazil a group of friends, drunk, went to pick up a friend.....
The mother accompanied her to the car and was so worried about the drunkenness of her friends and she said to the daughter holding her hand, who was already seated in the car:'My Daughter, Go With God And May He Protect You.' She responded: 'Only If He (God) Travels In The Trunk, Cause Inside Here.....It's Already Full' Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal accident, everyone had diedthe car could not be recognized what type of car it had been, but surprisingly, the trunk was intact. The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their surprise, inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, none was broken
Christine Hewitt (Jamaican Journalist and entertainer)
said the Bible (Word of God) was the worst book ever written. In June 2006 she was found burnt beyond recognition in her motor vehicle.
Many more important people have forgotten that there is no other name that was given so much authority as the name of Jesus.
Many have died, but only Jesus died and rose again, and He is still alive.
Death is certain but the Bible speaks about untimely death!
Make a personal reflection about this.....
It is written in the Bible (Galatians 6:7):
'Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sow, it shall he also reap.
Here are some men and women who mocked God :
John Lennon (Singer):
Some years before, during his interview with an American Magazine, he said:
'Christianity will end, it will disappear. I do not have to argue about that. I am certain.
Jesus was ok, but his subjects were too simple, today we are more famous than Him' (1966).
Lennon, after saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, was shot six times.
Tancredo Neves (President of Brazil ):
During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500,000 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from Presidency. Sure he got the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then he died.
Cazuza (Bi-sexual Brazilian composer, singer and poet):
During A show in Canecio ( Rio de Janeiro while smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said:'God, that's for you.' He died at the age of 32 of LUNG CANCER in a horrible manner.
The man who built the Titanic:
After the construction of Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic would be.
With an ironic tone he said:'Not even God can sink it'
The result: I think you all know what happened to the Titanic
Marilyn Monroe (Actress)
She was visited by Billy Graham during a presentation of a show. He said the Spirit of God had sent him to preach to her. After hearing what the Preacher had to say, she said:
'I don't need your Jesus'. A week later, she was found dead in her apartment
Bon Scott (Singer)
The ex-vocalist of the AC/DC. On one of his 1979 songs he sang: 'Don't stop me; I'm going down all the way, down the highway to hell'. On the 19th of February 1980, Bon Scott was found dead, he had been choked by his own vomit.
Campinas (IN 2005)
In Campinas , Brazil a group of friends, drunk, went to pick up a friend.....
The mother accompanied her to the car and was so worried about the drunkenness of her friends and she said to the daughter holding her hand, who was already seated in the car:'My Daughter, Go With God And May He Protect You.' She responded: 'Only If He (God) Travels In The Trunk, Cause Inside Here.....It's Already Full' Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal accident, everyone had diedthe car could not be recognized what type of car it had been, but surprisingly, the trunk was intact. The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact. To their surprise, inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, none was broken
Christine Hewitt (Jamaican Journalist and entertainer)
said the Bible (Word of God) was the worst book ever written. In June 2006 she was found burnt beyond recognition in her motor vehicle.
Many more important people have forgotten that there is no other name that was given so much authority as the name of Jesus.
Many have died, but only Jesus died and rose again, and He is still alive.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Saturday Savings: Vinegar
Vinegar is pretty cheap and there are tons of uses for it at home.
Drain & Disposal Cleaner - This is one of my favorite ways to use vinegar. When I am cleaning my kitchen I pour baking soda down both sides of my sink, add some vinegar so it will bubble and leave it to work. I let it work while I clean my cabinets. Then I come back and run hot water through the sink while running the disposal.
Cleaning the dishwasher - About once a month I like to fill the soap dispenser of my dishwasher with vinegar and run the system. This cleans the inside of the dishwasher, the racks and the heating element.
Eye glasses - All three of my guys wear glasses and vinegar is the perfect things to clean the lenses. No smears and it won't discolor the lenses.
Sponge sanitizer - I have a "thing" about sponges. They are just yuck to me, but if you use them it is best to sanitize them. Soak them overnight in a bowl of vinegar. The next morning squeeze it out and it will be refreshed and ready to use.
Crayon remover - Test this in a small area before you go crazy, but the next time your Picasso creates a work of art on the wall grab your camera and take a pic, then grab a tooth brush and some vinegar and watch it disappear.
Fruit & Vegetable Wash - Keep a bottle of equal parts water and vinegar to wash your fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
Get rid of Fruit Flies - Pour a cup of apple cider vinegar into a jar or small bowl. Add a couple drops of dish soap to the jar. Cover the container with plastic wrap, and poke a few small holes in the wrap. Place in the area where you've seen the fruit flies, and wait for the trap to do its job.
Bye Bye Rust - Apply undiluted white vinegar to the rust by spraying or dabbing it on (if the object is large), or by submerging the rusted object in vinegar (if the object is small). Allow the vinegar to soak in for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the object off; and dry thoroughly. Repeat the process, if rust remains.
Flea Repellent - Mix equal parts white vinegar and water together in a spray bottle, and apply the mixture directly to your pet's coat. Finish by working it in with your hands, and your pet is protected from those pesky fleas. Fleas HATE the smell and taste of vinegar and will avoid it and this is safer for your pet.
Drain & Disposal Cleaner - This is one of my favorite ways to use vinegar. When I am cleaning my kitchen I pour baking soda down both sides of my sink, add some vinegar so it will bubble and leave it to work. I let it work while I clean my cabinets. Then I come back and run hot water through the sink while running the disposal.
Cleaning the dishwasher - About once a month I like to fill the soap dispenser of my dishwasher with vinegar and run the system. This cleans the inside of the dishwasher, the racks and the heating element.
Eye glasses - All three of my guys wear glasses and vinegar is the perfect things to clean the lenses. No smears and it won't discolor the lenses.
Sponge sanitizer - I have a "thing" about sponges. They are just yuck to me, but if you use them it is best to sanitize them. Soak them overnight in a bowl of vinegar. The next morning squeeze it out and it will be refreshed and ready to use.
Crayon remover - Test this in a small area before you go crazy, but the next time your Picasso creates a work of art on the wall grab your camera and take a pic, then grab a tooth brush and some vinegar and watch it disappear.
Fruit & Vegetable Wash - Keep a bottle of equal parts water and vinegar to wash your fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
Get rid of Fruit Flies - Pour a cup of apple cider vinegar into a jar or small bowl. Add a couple drops of dish soap to the jar. Cover the container with plastic wrap, and poke a few small holes in the wrap. Place in the area where you've seen the fruit flies, and wait for the trap to do its job.
Bye Bye Rust - Apply undiluted white vinegar to the rust by spraying or dabbing it on (if the object is large), or by submerging the rusted object in vinegar (if the object is small). Allow the vinegar to soak in for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the object off; and dry thoroughly. Repeat the process, if rust remains.
Flea Repellent - Mix equal parts white vinegar and water together in a spray bottle, and apply the mixture directly to your pet's coat. Finish by working it in with your hands, and your pet is protected from those pesky fleas. Fleas HATE the smell and taste of vinegar and will avoid it and this is safer for your pet.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Flashback Friday: Time Keeps On Slippin' Into the Future
*Blink!*
I picked up this picture this morning and then looked at my guys at the breakfast table and thought. "How? When? Is someone slipping Miracle Gro in their Cheerios?"
I really need to find a way to quit sleeping. I am afraid that the next picture I pick up may be their graduation photos or worse... their wedding photos!
I don't want to miss a moment with my boys. They are so fun. They keep me laughing and are constantly challenging me with questions. We have the best conversations around the dinner table and I love it when we all crawl up in the bed and just talk. I even love it when they play pranks on me even though it is my Mom duty to pretend that it scares me to pieces and that it drives me crazy. *Big GRIN!*
Why does time have to fly to fast? However, let's make it perfectly clear. My boys are the only ones getting older. Hubs and I plan to keep holding at 30*something*! Ha!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Thankful Thursday
I am so thankful...
... for our family time each night. I love knowing that each and every day we are going to sit down together. Share our day. Pray. Hug and Kiss. Snuggle.
... that today I will get to go to lunch with a group of ladies who, like me, want to celebrate our friends' birthday.
... for the cooler days that we have been having. I am sure I will really be thankful when my electricity bill comes in later this month. I just love sitting on my front porch, drinking coffee and enjoying a good book or just watching the birds.
... that hubs was given free tickets to the Viking Classic which means he gets to enjoy some much deserved fun time.
... for an unexpected phone call from my sweet "R". He is my cousin, but I call him my brother.
... for candy corn in caramel corn and candy apple flavors. Oh, yummy!
... that it is almost the weekend!
Happy Birthday, Tiara Mama!
"A real friend is one who walks in
when the rest of the world walks out."
See you in a little while... Lunch is on me!
(Don't even think about arguing!)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
WFW: Solid Rock or Shifting Sand
"The foolish man built his house upon the sand
And the rain came tumbling down
And the rain came tumbling down
The wise man built his house upon the rock
And the rain came tumbling down
And the rain came tumbling down
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the wise man's house stood firm."
And the floods came up
And the wise man's house stood firm."
I realize that this is an abridged version, but do you remember this song from Sunday School? I used to sing this song all the time growing up. When I saw this pic of my sweet guy building a sandcastle it made me think of that Sunday School song, but it also made me think of that Scripture too.
When you get married, you become a family. A lot of people seem to think you don't become a family until you have children, but I don't believe that. As a Christian, the circle of three that is created on your wedding day definitely creates a family.
As a married couple, rains are definitely going to come, floods are definitely going to come up. The difference is where your house is built. Is your house built on the Solid Rock or on the shifting sand?
Do you remember the end of that song?
The house on the sand went SPLAT!
The house on the ROCK stood FIRM!
That is where I want to keep building our house.
(P.S. For those of you who were praying yesterday.... Thank you so much. God is good. All the time!)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Tuesday Question: Do You.....?
So today won't be a total blog waste, I have decided to do a "Tuesday Question". Who knows? Maybe it will start a trend. So here goes....
Do you prefer baths or showers?
Me? I'm a shower girl. The only time I get in the bath is when I am getting into my jacuzzi tub to relax surrounded by candles and putting in bath salts. If I want to get clean then I am getting into the shower. Nothing grosses me out more than the thought of bathing in the same dirt water I am sitting in. *shiver* This falls into one of those weird, quirky categories for me.
O.K. You're turn! What is your preference?
Maybe Just Pray?
Not writing much this morning, but if you read last night's post you know that I have been dealing with a LOT since yesterday afternoon. Not a lot of sleep and hubs and I have to go face off with someone in just a little while.
Pray for us? Help us to remember Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Right now there are way more harsh words than gentle ones on our minds, but we know that is not what God would have for us, the situation or those who we will be dealing with.
But...
If for some reason this meeting doesn't go well and I lose my cool and you see me on the 5:00 news, just remember this.... the camera adds at least 10 pounds! (Smile!) See? I haven't lost my sense of humor. That is a good thing. Right?
Pray for us? Help us to remember Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Right now there are way more harsh words than gentle ones on our minds, but we know that is not what God would have for us, the situation or those who we will be dealing with.
But...
If for some reason this meeting doesn't go well and I lose my cool and you see me on the 5:00 news, just remember this.... the camera adds at least 10 pounds! (Smile!) See? I haven't lost my sense of humor. That is a good thing. Right?
Monday, September 15, 2008
This Mama Lion is M.A.D.
Angry. Enraged. Riled. Rampageous. Irate. Provoked. Indignant. Irked. Threatened. Mad. Distraught. Furious. Livid. Outraged. Fuming. Ticked. Resentful. Incensed. Fit to be Tied. Annoyed. Bruised.
No. I still can't find a word that adequately describes the amount of pure, raw, fury that is running through my veins at this moment.
I have tried praying about this, but at this moment? My prayers are bouncing off the ceiling because my heart is not even in the right place. God knows that right now the only thing I want to do is hurt someone the way they hurt my child today.
Let me explain something to you. You can hurt me, talk about me, give it your best... whatever you want. I am an adult. But if you intentionally hurt my child, you have entered into the point of no return. This Mama Lion will expose her claws.
My heart is not right. I know it. God knows it. I have until the morning to work it out. But right now? All I want to do is ROAR!!!
Life Skills
Getting my driver's license was a liberating day. I thought I had discovered freedom. I didn't know what to do first. My parents let me take the car to school. I was so excited. That afternoon I decided I was going to do something really grown up and drive through McDonald's and get french fries and a coke. I went through the drive-thru and placed my order. When I pulled up I was so excited that I gave the girl my $10 bill, she gave me my fries and coke and I drove off. I completely forgot to get my change. I was chomping on my third french fry when it hit me what I had done. I felt like such a dork. I was slapping my head and thinking, "Why don't they teach you useful stuff like THAT in school instead of dumb stuff like trigonometry?"
I have never forgotten that feeling and so I have been determined to teach them the life skills that I didn't think they would learn in school. There are so many things that we as adults do that we simply take for granted. Think about some of these:
Telephone and book skills - If we need a phone number, I always ask the boys to look up the numbers in the phone book for me OR I ask them to get on http://www.whitepages.com/ and look it up.
Take out orders - When we place orders for take out food, we always write down the orders and ask one of the boys to call and place the order.
Banking skills - Both boys have savings accounts and we take them to the bank to have them fill out the forms and deal one on one with the tellers.
Washer/Dryer - Big Guy is responsible for jeans. Little Guy is responsible for towels. They know how to run the washer and the dryer. They can do loads of laundry. I know college kids who can't do loads of laundry.
Baking - I try to pick recipes that are kid friendly and then give them to one of the boys and ask them to cook them. I have been teaching them to cook for several years so if the recipe is simple enough I leave them alone in the kitchen and just observe.
Chores - I'm not telling you anything. It takes a lot to keep a house clean and everyone plays a part in getting it dirty. No better way to learn how to windex, dust, vacuum, sweep, mop, clean the bathroom or the refrigerator except first hand experience?
Gas pump & Tire Pressure - Hubs taught both the boys to pump gas and check the tire pressure on the car. He thinks no lady should have to pump gas. Who am I to argue with that?
These are just a few of the things that we are working on with the boys. I am sure as the boys get older we will keep adding. The school is working on academics. Hubs and I are working on life skills and spiritual life.
I have never forgotten that feeling and so I have been determined to teach them the life skills that I didn't think they would learn in school. There are so many things that we as adults do that we simply take for granted. Think about some of these:
Telephone and book skills - If we need a phone number, I always ask the boys to look up the numbers in the phone book for me OR I ask them to get on http://www.whitepages.com/ and look it up.
Take out orders - When we place orders for take out food, we always write down the orders and ask one of the boys to call and place the order.
Banking skills - Both boys have savings accounts and we take them to the bank to have them fill out the forms and deal one on one with the tellers.
Washer/Dryer - Big Guy is responsible for jeans. Little Guy is responsible for towels. They know how to run the washer and the dryer. They can do loads of laundry. I know college kids who can't do loads of laundry.
Baking - I try to pick recipes that are kid friendly and then give them to one of the boys and ask them to cook them. I have been teaching them to cook for several years so if the recipe is simple enough I leave them alone in the kitchen and just observe.
Chores - I'm not telling you anything. It takes a lot to keep a house clean and everyone plays a part in getting it dirty. No better way to learn how to windex, dust, vacuum, sweep, mop, clean the bathroom or the refrigerator except first hand experience?
Gas pump & Tire Pressure - Hubs taught both the boys to pump gas and check the tire pressure on the car. He thinks no lady should have to pump gas. Who am I to argue with that?
These are just a few of the things that we are working on with the boys. I am sure as the boys get older we will keep adding. The school is working on academics. Hubs and I are working on life skills and spiritual life.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Obama's Mama
My second guest post is up over at Conservative Belle. Click title below and it will take you to the site:
Prayer Guide for the Presidential Election
Prayer Guide for the Presidential Election
I received this over email and I agree. It is critical that Christians pray for the coming presidential election. There is amazing power in united prayer. Pray daily for this election. Pray with others whenever possible. The power of prayer can overcome any obstacle or ungodly influence and, indeed, do great things!
08/01 -08/07
Psalm 32:6-7 - Pray that Christians will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord would deliver us from the wrong leaders.
08/08 -08/14
Psalm 16:7-8 - Pray that the Lord would give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.
08/15 -08/21
Proverbs 16:13 - Pray that our nation will listen to the truth and not be led astray.
08/22 -08/28
Psalm 18:32-36 - Pray that the Lord would arm the man of His choice with strength; that He would guide him in battle (this election), and that He would sustain him and give him victory.
08/29 -09/04
Hebrews 11:32-34 E2 Pray that God's man could, through faith, persevere and maintain his courage throughout this election.
09/05 -09/11
Psalm 125 - Pray that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.
I received this over email and I agree. It is critical that Christians pray for the coming presidential election. There is amazing power in united prayer. Pray daily for this election. Pray with others whenever possible. The power of prayer can overcome any obstacle or ungodly influence and, indeed, do great things!
08/01 -08/07
Psalm 32:6-7 - Pray that Christians will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord would deliver us from the wrong leaders.
08/08 -08/14
Psalm 16:7-8 - Pray that the Lord would give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.
08/15 -08/21
Proverbs 16:13 - Pray that our nation will listen to the truth and not be led astray.
08/22 -08/28
Psalm 18:32-36 - Pray that the Lord would arm the man of His choice with strength; that He would guide him in battle (this election), and that He would sustain him and give him victory.
08/29 -09/04
Hebrews 11:32-34 E2 Pray that God's man could, through faith, persevere and maintain his courage throughout this election.
09/05 -09/11
Psalm 125 - Pray that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.
09/12 - 09/18
Psalm 86:14-17 - Pray that the Lord would defeat those who have no regard for Him in this election.
09/19 - 09/25
2 Cor. 12:9 – Pray that the Lord would empower and enable his man in any area of weakness.
09/26 - 10/02
II Kings 13:16 - Pray that the Lord would put His hands on the man of His choice for president (and his team) and guide them in this election.
10/03 - 10/09
Proverbs 1:5-6 - Pray that God's man will listen with discernment, add to his knowledge, and receive wise counsel in this campaign.
10/10- 10/16
John 16:33 - Pray that the man of God's choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacle or difficulty during this campaign.
10/17- 10/23
Acts 17:30 - Pray for repentance for yourself and for our nation.
10/24-10/30
Luke 12:54-57 – Pray that God's man and our nation will be discerning and do what is right.
10/31- 11/06
Phil. 4:13 - Pray that the Lord's choice for President will have special strength and unusual ability from God.
11/07-11/11
Habakkuk 1:5 and 3:2 - Pray that the Lord would do something that would utterly amaze us and give His servant victory.
During the days of Nov. 7 - 11, be encouraged to set aside a time of fasting during these days to commit this election to the Lord in whom we put our trust. Acts 14:23
Remember 2 Chronicle 7:14: 'If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.'
May God bless America and shed HIS GRACE on us.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Saturday Savings: Meat
I live with three "meat and potatoes" guys. They can tear into steaks like nobody's business. Unfortunately, I don't have a steak budget. Here are a few things I do to save money in the meat department and feed my hungry men.
Mix Ground Beef with Turkey. If you really want to stretch your budget, buy ground chuck on sale and combine it with twice as much ground turkey. When browning I typically add in onion soup mix to enhance the flavor. If you combine 2 pounds of chuck with 4 pounds of turkey, you have 6 pounds of meat for spaghetti sauces, tacos, chili, sloppy joes, nachos, whatever. Usually for less than $6.00.
Take advantage of Bulk Meat Sales. Our grocery store has mega meat sales about twice a year. Even though some of the meats are sold in larger packages than I would normally buy, I bring everything and repackage it to sizes that are more appropriate for our family.
Don't forget eggs as a protein! Sometimes when we are thinking about adding protein to our meals we forget eggs. Boiling eggs to chop on top of your salad or simply snack on can be a great way to get protein on days that you are going "meatless".
Ask about "cheap meat" days. Ask your meat manager when their "markdown" days are for your grocery store. At our local Wal-Mart, Monday is the day to find meat on sale.
Know your deli cut off time. Every deli has a markdown time. Ask your deli and see what they do. At our local deli, everything in the hot case is 50% off after 7:00.
Meat Free Night. Try having a meat free night every week. I didn't even mention to my three guys that I was going to do this. I just started it. Our meat free night is usually something simple: pasta, salad, soup and grilled cheese.
Make your sales flyer work for you. This past week hamburger was on sale. I used my almost my entire meat budget to stock up on hamburger. Now my freezer is loaded with spaghetti sauces, taco meat, tater tot casserole and many others. I try cooking around the sales which means on Wednesdays when the flyers come out, I plan my meals. On Thursdays, I shop.
Special Deals. One of our grocery stores offers a 5 for $19.99 special on meat. This is a mix and match on all types of meat which is great. I keep track of what they have available through this special.
Next Day Sandwiches. Just about any meat we have for supper is fair game for sandwiches the next day. I don't think any sandwich shop will ever top some of the interesting and delicious sandwiches we have created with leftover supper meat.
Ham. Ham is always on sale around the holidays. Buy a really large one, cook it and then divide it into family portions.
When Looking for Meat:
Chicken: Cut up your own, it's easy, and you can use every part, including the neck, giblets and fat for soup stock.
Pork: Use less expensive cuts; sirloin chops are a good value and tender, pork steak has a trillion uses, you can even learn how to roll your own pork roast.
Beef: Buy the tube hamburger instead of the store ground. Tube hamburger is produced in ultra sanitary conditions, has better flavor, and it's cheaper.
Tip #1: Don't buy 'thin cut' , 'tenderized', 'butterfly' or other such refined cutting methods, they charge 30 cents or more to process what you can do yourself.
Tip #2: Want a great steak cheap? Find 'Chuck Eye Steak' at your grocer. This is a cut next to the ribeye. It doesn't look at pretty, but it is just as good, very tender, and great on the grill!
Mix Ground Beef with Turkey. If you really want to stretch your budget, buy ground chuck on sale and combine it with twice as much ground turkey. When browning I typically add in onion soup mix to enhance the flavor. If you combine 2 pounds of chuck with 4 pounds of turkey, you have 6 pounds of meat for spaghetti sauces, tacos, chili, sloppy joes, nachos, whatever. Usually for less than $6.00.
Take advantage of Bulk Meat Sales. Our grocery store has mega meat sales about twice a year. Even though some of the meats are sold in larger packages than I would normally buy, I bring everything and repackage it to sizes that are more appropriate for our family.
Don't forget eggs as a protein! Sometimes when we are thinking about adding protein to our meals we forget eggs. Boiling eggs to chop on top of your salad or simply snack on can be a great way to get protein on days that you are going "meatless".
Ask about "cheap meat" days. Ask your meat manager when their "markdown" days are for your grocery store. At our local Wal-Mart, Monday is the day to find meat on sale.
Know your deli cut off time. Every deli has a markdown time. Ask your deli and see what they do. At our local deli, everything in the hot case is 50% off after 7:00.
Meat Free Night. Try having a meat free night every week. I didn't even mention to my three guys that I was going to do this. I just started it. Our meat free night is usually something simple: pasta, salad, soup and grilled cheese.
Make your sales flyer work for you. This past week hamburger was on sale. I used my almost my entire meat budget to stock up on hamburger. Now my freezer is loaded with spaghetti sauces, taco meat, tater tot casserole and many others. I try cooking around the sales which means on Wednesdays when the flyers come out, I plan my meals. On Thursdays, I shop.
Special Deals. One of our grocery stores offers a 5 for $19.99 special on meat. This is a mix and match on all types of meat which is great. I keep track of what they have available through this special.
Next Day Sandwiches. Just about any meat we have for supper is fair game for sandwiches the next day. I don't think any sandwich shop will ever top some of the interesting and delicious sandwiches we have created with leftover supper meat.
Ham. Ham is always on sale around the holidays. Buy a really large one, cook it and then divide it into family portions.
When Looking for Meat:
Chicken: Cut up your own, it's easy, and you can use every part, including the neck, giblets and fat for soup stock.
Pork: Use less expensive cuts; sirloin chops are a good value and tender, pork steak has a trillion uses, you can even learn how to roll your own pork roast.
Beef: Buy the tube hamburger instead of the store ground. Tube hamburger is produced in ultra sanitary conditions, has better flavor, and it's cheaper.
Tip #1: Don't buy 'thin cut' , 'tenderized', 'butterfly' or other such refined cutting methods, they charge 30 cents or more to process what you can do yourself.
Tip #2: Want a great steak cheap? Find 'Chuck Eye Steak' at your grocer. This is a cut next to the ribeye. It doesn't look at pretty, but it is just as good, very tender, and great on the grill!
Now your turn! Tell me how you save money on your meat purchases!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Come Visit!
Conservative Belle is a blog that I love reading. She is southern girl like me and she loves politics. She asked if I would like to be a contributing writer on her blog. If you have read Belle's blog you know she is quite the political commentator, so I was very honored for the invite. However, this was a great way for me to solve a recent problem. Separation of politics and family... blogs that is.
You might not have guessed (ha! ha!), but I love politics. I grew up with a cousin who loved politics and had dreams of one day being the POTUS. I love our Country, the way it works and the patriotism it invokes.
However, I kind of wanted to have a forum to discuss politics without doing it on my family blog. Belle has given me this place. I am so excited about it.
My first guest post can be found here: Click Here!
You might not have guessed (ha! ha!), but I love politics. I grew up with a cousin who loved politics and had dreams of one day being the POTUS. I love our Country, the way it works and the patriotism it invokes.
However, I kind of wanted to have a forum to discuss politics without doing it on my family blog. Belle has given me this place. I am so excited about it.
My first guest post can be found here: Click Here!
There Is One In Every Crowd
(Photo from LBNalert.com) This is so not where you would see me if I saw this warning...
Residents living in single-family homes in some parts of coastal Texas face "certain death" if they do not heed orders to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Ike's arrival, the National Weather Service said Thursday night. (CNN)
But there is always one in every crowd!
Lesson in Sharing
If the rest of day goes as great as carpool this morning, it is going to be a GREAT day! How lucky am I that Little Guy woke up this morning and said, "Mom, would you take me to school this morning instead of Daddy?" I was thrilled he asked me and hubs was happy to get a few extra winks.
On the way to school both boys were in the best moods. It was like God was giving me an extra special gift wrapped up in the laughter and smiles of my sweet boys. My entire car felt full of happiness.
I asked Little Guy, "Why did you want me to drive you to school, sweetie?"
He said, "Mom, Friday is the best day of the week and I just wanted to share it with you."
*sigh*
On the way to school both boys were in the best moods. It was like God was giving me an extra special gift wrapped up in the laughter and smiles of my sweet boys. My entire car felt full of happiness.
I asked Little Guy, "Why did you want me to drive you to school, sweetie?"
He said, "Mom, Friday is the best day of the week and I just wanted to share it with you."
*sigh*
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Thankful Thursday
I am so thankful...
... that God answers prayer. Donald's brother, Larry, is better and will be traveling home soon. My friend, Julie, is home from the hospital and taking short walks. Dennis is home from the hospital and thinks the bandages on his head make him look like a ninja. In true little boy fashion, he seems oblivious to all that he has been through.
... for Happy Hour at Sonic. Not just the fact that we can get a Cherry Limeade, but for sitting in the car and chatting with the boys.
... for a husband who makes sure that my van always has gas in the gas tank. Saturday morning when he could have been sleeping late he got up and went and filled up my tank before we left to go see my family. I love how thoughtful he is.
... catching up with friends I haven't seen in years -- on Facebook, in person or on email. I have gotten several friend requests lately from friends that I haven't seen in years. So much fun to find friends again.
... for makeup. Have mercy what I look like without it!
... for my washer and dryer. When hubs and I first got married we didn't have a washer and dryer in our apartment. Going to the laundromat was romantic for a little while. We would put our clothes in the washer and go jump in the swimming pool. Such newlyweds we were. However, when the fall hit and they pool closed it wasn't as much fun so we bought a washer and dryer. Ahhhh.... such luxury. I have never taken for granted again how wonderful it is to have a washer and dryer.
... for my Daddy's shoulder. It is amazing how good it feels to just lay your head on your Daddy's shoulder.
... for the men and women who are serving in Iraq today. No one can forget what 9/11 means. I remember that morning vividly. I had gotten Big Guy dressed for preschool and had turned the television on to see Matt Lauer say that he thought a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I hurried Little Guy outside to my friend because she was driving him to school. I came back in and picked up Little Guy who was two weeks old. He was hungry for his morning bottle so I sat down in the floor to feed him. I didn't move from that spot the entire morning. I held Little Guy the entire morning. I kept looking from the television screen to his innocent little sleeping face. I called hubs and he said that his entire office was in the conference room watching. I asked him to come home. I remember the horror, the pain, the grief and the nightmare of that day. I remember trying to explain it to my then four year old. I pray that we never forget.
... for Andy. He has served his Country and recently was wounded in that service. Andy was shot in the back of the neck by a sniper in what we now know to have been the most costly battle that the US forces have seen in Afghanistan in the entire length of Operation Enduring Freedom. The round severed a portion of his spinal cord and has, to this point, left him with several injuries and without the use of his legs.
Andy was med-evac'd from Afghanistan to Ramstien in Germany and then spent 32 days at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC. As of 9.20, he is receiving a specialized course of rehabilitation treatment at James Andrew Haley Veteran Hospital in Tampa, Florida. (Note the name of the hospital--Andy's full name is James Andrew too.) He is expected to be there for 4 to 6 weeks. How do you say thank you for someone who is willing to give on that level?
... that God answers prayer. Donald's brother, Larry, is better and will be traveling home soon. My friend, Julie, is home from the hospital and taking short walks. Dennis is home from the hospital and thinks the bandages on his head make him look like a ninja. In true little boy fashion, he seems oblivious to all that he has been through.
... for Happy Hour at Sonic. Not just the fact that we can get a Cherry Limeade, but for sitting in the car and chatting with the boys.
... for a husband who makes sure that my van always has gas in the gas tank. Saturday morning when he could have been sleeping late he got up and went and filled up my tank before we left to go see my family. I love how thoughtful he is.
... catching up with friends I haven't seen in years -- on Facebook, in person or on email. I have gotten several friend requests lately from friends that I haven't seen in years. So much fun to find friends again.
... for makeup. Have mercy what I look like without it!
... for my washer and dryer. When hubs and I first got married we didn't have a washer and dryer in our apartment. Going to the laundromat was romantic for a little while. We would put our clothes in the washer and go jump in the swimming pool. Such newlyweds we were. However, when the fall hit and they pool closed it wasn't as much fun so we bought a washer and dryer. Ahhhh.... such luxury. I have never taken for granted again how wonderful it is to have a washer and dryer.
... for my Daddy's shoulder. It is amazing how good it feels to just lay your head on your Daddy's shoulder.
... for the men and women who are serving in Iraq today. No one can forget what 9/11 means. I remember that morning vividly. I had gotten Big Guy dressed for preschool and had turned the television on to see Matt Lauer say that he thought a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I hurried Little Guy outside to my friend because she was driving him to school. I came back in and picked up Little Guy who was two weeks old. He was hungry for his morning bottle so I sat down in the floor to feed him. I didn't move from that spot the entire morning. I held Little Guy the entire morning. I kept looking from the television screen to his innocent little sleeping face. I called hubs and he said that his entire office was in the conference room watching. I asked him to come home. I remember the horror, the pain, the grief and the nightmare of that day. I remember trying to explain it to my then four year old. I pray that we never forget.
... for Andy. He has served his Country and recently was wounded in that service. Andy was shot in the back of the neck by a sniper in what we now know to have been the most costly battle that the US forces have seen in Afghanistan in the entire length of Operation Enduring Freedom. The round severed a portion of his spinal cord and has, to this point, left him with several injuries and without the use of his legs.
Andy was med-evac'd from Afghanistan to Ramstien in Germany and then spent 32 days at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC. As of 9.20, he is receiving a specialized course of rehabilitation treatment at James Andrew Haley Veteran Hospital in Tampa, Florida. (Note the name of the hospital--Andy's full name is James Andrew too.) He is expected to be there for 4 to 6 weeks. How do you say thank you for someone who is willing to give on that level?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
WFW: Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled
All the experts say don't leave your child without warning them that you are leaving. That is what this verse is all about. In this entire chapter, Jesus had been telling his disciples that he was going to be leaving them but that he would be returning one day for them. It kind of reminds me of a mom leaving her child at the nursery at church or dropping her child off at school. That anxiety. That fear. That worry of being left by their security blanket.
I want Jesus as my security blanket. If I have any fear in my life that is the kind of fear I want it to be... the fear of being separated from my Lord.
WFMW - Digital Scrapbooking
What Mom doesn't take a million photos when their first baby is born? The best way to save those photos is through scrapbooking. I know my husband wants me to post a photo of my hobby room and my scrapbook supplies which are sitting neglected and rejected. The hundreds of dollars of papers, punches, embellishments, stickers, ribbons and glazes. All abandoned when I discovered the beauty of digital scrapbooking.
See... even before I discovered digital scrapbooking my supplies were sitting neglected because even though I would buy them I could bear to use them. I could stand the thought of messing them up. I spent the money. What if I hated it once I finished it? (I am OCD that way.)
That is the beauty of digital scrapping. I can cut, paste, turn, rotate, throw away and start over all to my desire and never ruin anything. It is such a freeing process. Plus, it has one more advantage that traditional scrapbooking never had. There are so many FREE supplies out there!
Some of my favorite sites out there:
You can do so many things besides scrapbook pages. There are birthday invitations:
Create a blog header...
Happy scrappin'!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Update #2: Lots To Pray About
Update #2: 10:34 and Dennis is out of surgery. He had a seizure during surgery and they are worried about more seizures. Because of the impact and lack of oxygen, they are concerned about the possibility of early onset epilepsy. As I told Kelsey, these are all precautionary concerns and not definites, God is in ultimate control.
Update: We just received news that Larry's fever has broken. He even went back into the bush with his team to help do some work. Praise the Lord!
Kelsey twittered and said Dennis is being prepped for surgery now. (7:30p.m.) The surgery should take about 3 hours. Kelsey received a very hateful email saying it is her fault Dennis is in critical condition because they shouldn't have been in bicycle carrier to begin with. This person obviously doesn't know the whole story behind the accident and must have a lot of hate in her heart to cause grief at a time such as this.
Lots of praying going on in our house for lots of people:
Hubs' big brother, Larry, is on a mission trip to Africa. He has gotten sick and is running a high fever. They are out in the bush country so their access to medical care is limited. They think he got whatever it is he has from his translator. There is a nurse with their mission team and she brought antibiotics and he has started those.
One of my good friends, Julie, from high school had back surgery this morning. She is out of surgery and in recovery, but she is in for a lot of pain and as she says, "clicking the morphine drip", while recovering.
AND...
Last night one of our blogging friends, Kelsey from My Sweet Life, and her three sweet children were in a terrible accident. They were all hurt, but her son, Dennis, was critically injured. I was up until way past midnight twittering with her and getting updates on Dennis and his surgery for the bleeding into his brain. His heart stopped twice during surgery last night scaring all of us. A few minutes ago she twittered and said that she and her other two children had been discharged from the hospital, but Dennis was about to go back into surgery. She and the children will be staying at the Ronald McDonald house while Dennis is in the hospital.
So much to pray about and probably so much more we aren't even aware of!
Update: We just received news that Larry's fever has broken. He even went back into the bush with his team to help do some work. Praise the Lord!
Kelsey twittered and said Dennis is being prepped for surgery now. (7:30p.m.) The surgery should take about 3 hours. Kelsey received a very hateful email saying it is her fault Dennis is in critical condition because they shouldn't have been in bicycle carrier to begin with. This person obviously doesn't know the whole story behind the accident and must have a lot of hate in her heart to cause grief at a time such as this.
Lots of praying going on in our house for lots of people:
Hubs' big brother, Larry, is on a mission trip to Africa. He has gotten sick and is running a high fever. They are out in the bush country so their access to medical care is limited. They think he got whatever it is he has from his translator. There is a nurse with their mission team and she brought antibiotics and he has started those.
One of my good friends, Julie, from high school had back surgery this morning. She is out of surgery and in recovery, but she is in for a lot of pain and as she says, "clicking the morphine drip", while recovering.
AND...
Last night one of our blogging friends, Kelsey from My Sweet Life, and her three sweet children were in a terrible accident. They were all hurt, but her son, Dennis, was critically injured. I was up until way past midnight twittering with her and getting updates on Dennis and his surgery for the bleeding into his brain. His heart stopped twice during surgery last night scaring all of us. A few minutes ago she twittered and said that she and her other two children had been discharged from the hospital, but Dennis was about to go back into surgery. She and the children will be staying at the Ronald McDonald house while Dennis is in the hospital.
So much to pray about and probably so much more we aren't even aware of!
Waking Up Changed: My Life with Fibromyalgia
I remember the morning I woke up and felt like a train had hit me. I just wish I could remember the day before that. I wish I could feel what it felt like before the train hit me. Who knew when I went to bed the night before that I would never wake up again without pain?
That first year was the hardest. Doctor after doctor. Day after day. All the symptoms that doctors couldn't explain: unbelievable pain, muscles feeling like they are on fire, exhaustion that made everyday tasks impossible, migraines, anxiety, IBS, difficulty walking, numbness in legs and hands, difficulty with memory (what I call fibro-fog), chest pain, dizziness, ...
I remember sitting in the office of the doctor who finally diagnosed me. Saying he diagnosed me is kind of a joke. He drew some blood and left hubs and I in a room. When he walked back in he handed me a pamphlet that said "Fibromyalgia" on the front and said, "Read this I'll be right back." When he came back he said, "Sounds like you doesn't it?" Hubs and I agreed. He said, "Yep. It is you. Learn to live with it. It isn't life threatening, but it is life debilitating. You'll probably be in a wheelchair by age 35. Forget kids." He had a real bedside manner.
He prescribed me several medications that were popular at the time. I took them for a while, but soon I couldn't tell what were side effects from the medication and what was real problems from the fibromyalgia. I began scouring the internet for any and all information on fibromyalgia. I made the decision to quit taking the medications because they did not seem to be helping me in any positive ways.
Hubs and I started walking at the small park behind our house. Some days I couldn't walk at all and some days I could walk around for my "goal". Regardless, starting exercise helped improve not only my attitude, but it helped my mobility. Hubs also bought me an elliptical trainer which allows me to walk anytime and in any weather which is nice when you live in Mississippi.
It didn't take me long after I was diagnosed to get tired of being "sick". I knew that I was going to have to deal with this on a daily basis, but I didn't want it to be the center of our life. Hubs and I developed a number system so that I could let him know how I was feeling without having to talk about my illness all the time. If I tell him I am on a "10" he knows that I am hurting really bad and I am not going to be able to handle normal things like cooking or carpool. If I am on a "1", he better watch out because I am likely to tear the closets apart and chase him around the bedroom. Ha!
A lot of people have asked me what it is like having fibromyalgia. I am not sure how to explain that.
1. Imagine waking up with the flu. You know that horrible, all over aching feeling that you have when you have the flu? Imagine it never going away.
2. Take five clothespins and put one on the end of each of your fingers on your left hand. Leave it on there for as long as you possibly can. Now imagine never being to take it off.
That is a sad way to try to describe it, but I can't really describe to you what it is like anymore than someone with diabetes, cancer or MS can describe what it is like. All I can say is that I wouldn't wish fibromyalgia on my worst enemy.
Pain has become my new "normal". Some days I can completely ignore it and some days I can't, but my fibromyalgia knows that I intend to control it instead of it controlling me.
Because this is my life!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Nothin Says Lovin' Like Nana and Papa
We spent the weekend with Nana and Papa. Nothing says lovin' like being at Nana and Papa's house. It is the perfect cure for whatever ails you.
Thanks, Mom and Daddy. There is nothing like coming home. There are no great parents or grandparents on the face of the earth!
We got to start off by going to my nephew's swim meet. He swims for the Northwest Rankin swim team. We were so excited to go and cheer for him. My parents were standing there screaming too. That is the kind of grandparents they are.
Go, A, Go!
Our little Michael Phelps wanna be.
A and Big Guy.... Cousins and Best Friends
After the meet we headed out to the house to celebrate Little Guy's birthday. Mom had cooked a big lunch and had a birthday cake prepared along with Mom's special rice krispie treats. After lunch and presents and plenty of laughter, we all settled in for an afternoon of college football while the boys went to the "fun" room to play.
Big Guy slept in my old bedroom Saturday night. I was telling them stories about growing up in that room. That room now is my Daddy's office/computer room. Little Guy said, "You are soooo lucky. You had this computer and stereo in your room." When I explained that all of that wasn't in my room growing up and that we didn't have computers, cell phones, VCR's, cable, etc... Little Guy said, "What did you play with? Dirt?" I thought I was going to fall off the bed laughing! He nearly fell off the bed when I told him about the amount of time my sisters and I DID spend playing in the dirt. Building mud pies and making assorted things out of dirt.
After church on Sunday I crawled up into the bed and just took a good, long nap. Oh, it was so wonderful. The boys were well taken care of under my parent's loving care and I was able to get some sleep.
Thanks, Mom and Daddy. There is nothing like coming home. There are no great parents or grandparents on the face of the earth!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
7Ups!
1. Wake Up
Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up!!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
"He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3.
"Gossip betrays confidence. Avoid men who talk too much." Proverbs 20:19
"Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise." Proverbs 19:20
4. Stand Up!!...
For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up!!...
To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up!!...
For something higher.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up!!...
Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6
Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up!!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
"He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3.
"Gossip betrays confidence. Avoid men who talk too much." Proverbs 20:19
"Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise." Proverbs 19:20
4. Stand Up!!...
For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up!!...
To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up!!...
For something higher.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up!!...
Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Saturday Savings: DIY Foot Treatments
I have told you before that I hate, hate, hate my feet. Any pampering they receive is from me... alone behind a closed door! Here are a few suggestions for pampering your feet for just a few dollars. Honestly, why spend a lot of money on spa treatments for a part of my body I don't particularly care to show in public!
Put 'em up! Any time I can just put my feet up, read a good book and relax is a good foot treatment.
Massage - My hubs is very sweet to massage my feet when I ask him.
How to Do It
* Coat your palms with a thin layer of lotion or balm infused with a circulation-boosting ingredient, such as peppermint, pine oil, camphor, or rosemary.
* Using long stroking motions, slowly massage the sole of one foot with both thumbs, starting behind the toes and moving toward the heel. Apply extra pressure along the arch and at the ball of the foot, two places that are especially prone to tightness.
*Grip the foot with both hands and gently twist your hands from side to side as if you’re wringing a towel.
* "This little piggy..." End the massage by gently pulling and releasing each toe. Repeat on the other foot.
Mashed Potato Foot Treatment
For an amazing hand and foot soak, make mashed potatoes using russets and milk (don’t waste any butter), and then water them down a bit. Soak your feet or hands in them.
The mashed potatoes retain the heat and are an amazing treatment for swollen and sore feet. The lactose in the milk makes your skin feel soft and smooth.
Bedtime Piña Colada Callus Treatment
Calluses - those disgusting thick patches of dead skin that form on your heels and toes. They can particularly large on the back of your heels. To baby your calluses, soak your feet, reduce the hardened skin with a natural pumice stone and moisturize to rehydrate thirsty skin.
Ingredients:
1 footbath (use a large, clean bucket if you don't own one)
2 to 3 cups organic pineapple juice
½ cup organic coconut milk
1 natural pumice stone
1 cotton bath towel
Your favorite moisturizer for extra-dry skin
A pair of cotton socks
Directions:
Add the pineapple juice to the footbath. Pineapple contains a natural enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down hardened skin. Add the coconut milk and stir well. Soak your feet for approximately 8-10 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Apply the pumice stone to calloused areas and rub gently. Don't overdo it! You don't want to irritate or remove too much tender skin. Towel dry. Apply your favorite moisturizer while feet are still damp. Put on your cotton socks and wear them through the night, as you sleep. You'll awaken with much softer feet!
Foot Spa
Put 'em up! Any time I can just put my feet up, read a good book and relax is a good foot treatment.
Massage - My hubs is very sweet to massage my feet when I ask him.
How to Do It
* Coat your palms with a thin layer of lotion or balm infused with a circulation-boosting ingredient, such as peppermint, pine oil, camphor, or rosemary.
* Using long stroking motions, slowly massage the sole of one foot with both thumbs, starting behind the toes and moving toward the heel. Apply extra pressure along the arch and at the ball of the foot, two places that are especially prone to tightness.
*Grip the foot with both hands and gently twist your hands from side to side as if you’re wringing a towel.
* "This little piggy..." End the massage by gently pulling and releasing each toe. Repeat on the other foot.
Mashed Potato Foot Treatment
For an amazing hand and foot soak, make mashed potatoes using russets and milk (don’t waste any butter), and then water them down a bit. Soak your feet or hands in them.
The mashed potatoes retain the heat and are an amazing treatment for swollen and sore feet. The lactose in the milk makes your skin feel soft and smooth.
Bedtime Piña Colada Callus Treatment
Calluses - those disgusting thick patches of dead skin that form on your heels and toes. They can particularly large on the back of your heels. To baby your calluses, soak your feet, reduce the hardened skin with a natural pumice stone and moisturize to rehydrate thirsty skin.
Ingredients:
1 footbath (use a large, clean bucket if you don't own one)
2 to 3 cups organic pineapple juice
½ cup organic coconut milk
1 natural pumice stone
1 cotton bath towel
Your favorite moisturizer for extra-dry skin
A pair of cotton socks
Directions:
Add the pineapple juice to the footbath. Pineapple contains a natural enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down hardened skin. Add the coconut milk and stir well. Soak your feet for approximately 8-10 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Apply the pumice stone to calloused areas and rub gently. Don't overdo it! You don't want to irritate or remove too much tender skin. Towel dry. Apply your favorite moisturizer while feet are still damp. Put on your cotton socks and wear them through the night, as you sleep. You'll awaken with much softer feet!
Foot Spa
Consider investing in a foot spa. I like the Homedics Foot Spa. I don't have one, but I like it!
To Soothe Your Feet - Soak in a mixture of water, ice cubes and tea tree oil.
To Relax - Add 1/3 cup Epsom salt
To Kill Bacteria & Odor - Add 1/3 cup baking soda
To Moisturize - Add Oil (olive, sesame or nut oils)
To Rejuvenate - Add Vitamin E oil
To Relax, Soothe & Moisturize - Add Aloe Vera Oil
To Relax - Use Tea Bags
Essence Oils Provide A Variety of Helps: Chamomille kills bacteria; Lavender is relaxing, Tea tree oil kills fungus, peppermint oil is rejuvenating
Ped Egg - I bought one of these at the suggestion of another blogger. My friend calls it a mini-cheese grater which is what it looks like, but it is seeming to work!
Shoe Size? Our feet change as we get older and have children. Ligaments loosen and feet spread. Make sure you are buying shoes in the correct size and of varying heel heights. Wearing the exact same shoes all the time can cause repetitive motion problems.
Clip Nails - This seems like a no brainer, but keeping your nails clipped not only keeps them more attractive but healthier as well.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
Friday, September 5, 2008
McCain's Speech
I wouldn't have wanted to be John McCain. Making the biggest speech of his life so far and he had to follow Sarah Palin's HUGE home run speech. I know that he had to be proud that she did so well and proved that he made the very right choice.
Some of my favorite parts of McCain's speech were:
Fight for what’s right for our country.
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children’s future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We’re Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.
Some of my favorite parts of McCain's speech were:
I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else’s. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice, and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for.
If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you’re disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.
Fight for what’s right for our country.
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children’s future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We’re Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.
Cleaving
For this cause, a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh, and the man and his wife were both naked, and they were not ashamed. (Genesis 2:24-25)
Since hubs and I were dating and engaged we have noticed a trend among some married couples to never "leave" their parents. Sometimes the married couple won't leave the parents and sometimes the parents won't leave them alone. Whatever the case, marriage is supposed to be a bond between a husband and wife, not husband, wife, mother-in-law and father-in-law.
The verse above is one we had in our wedding ceremony. It was very purposeful. We knew that we wanted to "cut the apron strings". Hubs said, "If we are going to do this I want "us" to do it. By ourselves. On our own. If we make mistakes I want them to be our own mistakes. I want us to create this marriage just you, me and God."
That was fine with me because I didn't know any other way. My parents had created their marriage the same way. They have been married for 41 years and that seemed like a pretty good formula to me.
As we watched many of those marriages controlled by parents and family fall apart and eventually lead to divorce, we became even more determined. It makes me sad when I think about the number of couples that we knew when we first got married that aren't married today.
Looking back over the last 18 years of marriage, I have been thinking about all the times in our marriage where we had to depend on each other. All the times we have been forced to "cleave"...
...through surgery just weeks after we were married
...hospital stays
...waiting on test results
...the death of family members
...sick parents
...uncertainty and the fear of the loss of a job
...infertility and grim diagnosis from doctors
...long nights with newborn babies with reflux
...months of tube feeding Little Guy
I know that they have been building blocks for the past few weeks of stress that we have been through.
Leaving and cleaving... It is God's plan and I am so glad that we have been following it. I am sure that we will face more ups and downs in our marriage, but through all this God is truly making us one flesh.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Thankful Thursday
I am thankful...
...that Gustav wasn't as bad as they thought.
...I haven't had to cook this week because I did so much cooking in preparation for Gustav.
...for my Mom. She has been a constant source of strength for hubs and I over the past couple of weeks. She has cried with us, encouraged us and listened to us.
...for my friend, Shane. Every day... she calls. Every day... she checks. When you are drowning in a crisis it is so good to have someone to be your life jacket.
...for Tylenol PM. It has helped me to get some much needed sleep. I am so grouchy when I am tired.
...for morning snuggles with my boys.
...for my first cup of coffee. Liquid sunshine it is.
...for people who make my day by leaving comments on my blog. Whether you agree or disagree with what I have to say. I feel honored to know that you cared enough to speak!
Powerhouse Palin
"Let us face the matter squarely. There is only one man in this
election who has ever really fought for you."
"In politics there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those like John McCain who use their careers to promote change."
"My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be
"In politics there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those like John McCain who use their careers to promote change."
"My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be
a journey of personal discovery."
"For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words,
"For a season, a gifted speaker can inspire with his words,
but for a lifetime John McCain has inspired with his deeds."
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Anything for my Sister
MomDot is holding a giveaway for a Trevi Twin Stroller. With twin girls on the way, my sweet sister NEEDS this twin stroller and I am going to do anything I can to win it for her!
Not Even Pretending
Wow! No preferential treatment there is there? Of course, this is fair and just reporting. After all, should it matter or be influential at all that the publisher of this magazine, Jann Wenner, is a major contributor to Obama's campaign? Nooooooo, of course not!!Palin's speech is tonight. I hope I get to hear it. If it is like last night, the network's "talking heads" will be too busy with their commentary tearing her apart and talking over her (like they did Fred Thompson) for me to get to hear a word of her speech.
Word Filled Wednesday
Fear is a funny thing. When I was little I was so scared of the dark. I could jump from my bed to my light switch without ever touching the floor. I just knew that the monsters that lived under my bed could reach out and grab me if my feet touched the floor.
Now that I am older, I know that there aren't any monsters under my bed, but there are still moments when I feel that fear creeping up on me.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
(2 Timothy 1:7)
"Yea, though I will walk in the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. For You are with me. Your rod and Your staff they comfort me."
Psalm 23:4
I find great comfort in all the Scriptures on fear. It helps me to know that fear is a God given emotion that helps us in appropriate situations (like when we are in the path of danger), but that it is not a spirit that is to guide our lives. I just finished reading a book that talked about how Satan uses the spirit of fear, discouragement, temptation, envy, strife, etc... to try to lead us away from Him. I am so glad to know that God's intention is to guard us from those things and to never leave us or forsake us and to comfort us.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Looonnnngggg Weekend
Whew! That was the longest three day weekend ever. With Little Guy's big birthday sleep over and keeping an eye on Gustav, it just seemed to go on forever. I am really glad that Gustav came and went without all the fanfare that they were predicting. I must admit that it really gets under my skin the way that the media focuses on New Orleans like Mississipppi wasn't even affected during Katrina. Parts of Mississippi (cities even) were completey wiped off the map, but those things never played on the media. Somehow the media only wants to play up the stupidity. I am sorry, but that is the way I see it. Even with this hurricane they were interviewing the one toothless person who decided to stay behind and a group of crazy drunk people who decided to throw a hurricane party on Bourbon Street. Of course, I am not telling you anything you don't know.
Friday was a busy day because we went to eat lunch with Little Guy's class at school. I don't know why I can't just be a normal mom and bake cupcakes, but I had to go over the top and make cupcakes on sticks. After all the fussing, I am glad I did because Little Guy went wild for them and was so excited handing them out to his friends. One of his classmates had the same birthday as him and she brought chips as a treat so they practically had a party with his cupcakes on sticks and her chips.
Here is a pic of how his treat looked:
We had so much fun having Little Guy's friends over for the big sleep over. Those boys had been planning for days what they wanted to do. When they got to our house they wanted to play spys and bad guys. Not long after that we loaded them up and headed out to Gatti Town.
You would have thought all that crazy running around would have made them at least a little tired, but NO WAY. They came home and ran around, jumped on the trampoline, played pirates and played XBox.
Then they were ready for cake! Little Guy wanted a chocolate chip cookie cake with a Guitar Hero guitar on it!
They all collapsed about 10:00 and so did we, but they were up bright and early at the crack of 5:30 a.m.!
After breakfast and more running around and playing, we loaded them up and went to the swimming pool.
Friday was a busy day because we went to eat lunch with Little Guy's class at school. I don't know why I can't just be a normal mom and bake cupcakes, but I had to go over the top and make cupcakes on sticks. After all the fussing, I am glad I did because Little Guy went wild for them and was so excited handing them out to his friends. One of his classmates had the same birthday as him and she brought chips as a treat so they practically had a party with his cupcakes on sticks and her chips.
Here is a pic of how his treat looked:
We had so much fun having Little Guy's friends over for the big sleep over. Those boys had been planning for days what they wanted to do. When they got to our house they wanted to play spys and bad guys. Not long after that we loaded them up and headed out to Gatti Town.
Then they were ready for cake! Little Guy wanted a chocolate chip cookie cake with a Guitar Hero guitar on it!
They all collapsed about 10:00 and so did we, but they were up bright and early at the crack of 5:30 a.m.!
After breakfast and more running around and playing, we loaded them up and went to the swimming pool.
After trying to wear them out at the swimming pool we drove through Wendy's and picked up some lunch for everybody and went home. After everyone had a chance to change into dry clothes and eat lunch, we called the parents to come get the kids. After the last kid was picked up, we all crashed and slept for about two hours!
Little Guy did a really good job planning that sleep over. I couldn't have done it better myself. They had fun. They were well behaved and they were respectful. They are a great group of boys!
I hope our house is full of lots more weekends just like that!
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