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*
Friday, September 12, 2008
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!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Free Chic-Fil-A TODAY
Wear your favorite collegiate jersey or apparel in to Chic-Fil-A and receive FREE three piece chicken strips! Let's hear Three Cheers for Chicken!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
September Desktop
It is September so I am changing my desktop wallpaper. Why not when The Shabby Princess makes it so easy with their free downloadable wallpaper? I have been reading some C.S. Lewis so I used some of my favorite quotes from him to help customize along with pics of my cuties.
When Fay Came Through...
When Hurricane Fay came through it took down part of a tree and a small portion of our fence. Tonight I am keeping my eye on Hurricane Gustav and remembering Katrina and watching our shutters being sucked out of the brick and flying through the air. Oh, man, no amount of cooking, cleaning or stocking up of supplies can get you mentally prepared to do this again.
Big Guy watched from a safe distance (out of the rain). He is approaching this storm the same way.
I think we are all getting ready in our own way. Boys are playing to stay busy and stay out of the way of their crazy Mom. Dad is checking to make sure everything is secure and I'm just checking, checking, checking.
Big Guy watched from a safe distance (out of the rain). He is approaching this storm the same way. I think we are all getting ready in our own way. Boys are playing to stay busy and stay out of the way of their crazy Mom. Dad is checking to make sure everything is secure and I'm just checking, checking, checking.
Being Prepared Without Panic
Everyone in our area is glued to news coverage concerning the arrival of Gustav. A lot of people are very panicked. Panic is not going to help anyone. Being prepared will. Staying busy before the storm arrives will help you avoid the "worries" also.
Here are a few things to do:
1. Stay in tune with your radio or TV for information, but don't become obsessed.
2. Check to make sure that items on and around your home are secure. If there are things that might go flying in high winds, move them inside.
3. Turn your refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting. That way if the electricity goes off the food will stay good longer. Keep the door closed!
4. During the storm, avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies.
5. Make sure you have an ample amount of water for purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill your bathtub and other large containers with water.
6. Have some cash on hand. During Katrina, electricity outages were a problem and using debit cards were impossible.
7. Charge the batteries on your phones and cameras. Make sure you have extra batteries for important items such as radios.
8. If you haven't bought a weather radio... NOW is the time.
9. Double check your medications. Do you have enough to last you a week? During the last storm we had a hard time getting medication refills because of computer issues.
10. If you are leaving your home to go stay with someone, let your family know.
11. Fill your vehicles with gasoline. If you haven't already done this, be prepared for long lines.
12. I'm checking my Disaster Box: water, food, first aid, flash lights, blankets, socks & underwear, cash, meds, spare keys
13. Laundry. Catch up on your laundry so that you have plenty of clean clothes. If there is no electricity for a few days it will feel good to have clean clothes to wear.
14. Friends and Neighbors. Check on your friends, family and neighbors to see what they are doing. Take care of each other!
God is in control! Keep praying and preparing!
Here are a few things to do:
1. Stay in tune with your radio or TV for information, but don't become obsessed.
2. Check to make sure that items on and around your home are secure. If there are things that might go flying in high winds, move them inside.
3. Turn your refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting. That way if the electricity goes off the food will stay good longer. Keep the door closed!
4. During the storm, avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies.
5. Make sure you have an ample amount of water for purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill your bathtub and other large containers with water.
6. Have some cash on hand. During Katrina, electricity outages were a problem and using debit cards were impossible.
7. Charge the batteries on your phones and cameras. Make sure you have extra batteries for important items such as radios.
8. If you haven't bought a weather radio... NOW is the time.
9. Double check your medications. Do you have enough to last you a week? During the last storm we had a hard time getting medication refills because of computer issues.
10. If you are leaving your home to go stay with someone, let your family know.
11. Fill your vehicles with gasoline. If you haven't already done this, be prepared for long lines.
12. I'm checking my Disaster Box: water, food, first aid, flash lights, blankets, socks & underwear, cash, meds, spare keys
13. Laundry. Catch up on your laundry so that you have plenty of clean clothes. If there is no electricity for a few days it will feel good to have clean clothes to wear.
14. Friends and Neighbors. Check on your friends, family and neighbors to see what they are doing. Take care of each other!
God is in control! Keep praying and preparing!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Saturday Savings: Eating Out
When I am eating out I want to enjoy my meal. I don't want to stress over how much money we are spending or how much cheaper we could have made the same food at home (yes, I do that!). Here are some of the way that we make the most of the money we spend when eating out.
Buy an Entertainment Book - Typically these books cost about $20 and they are full of BOGO coupons for restaurants and entertainment. Our area schools sell these so it is a bonus in that we are giving to our local schools plus saving money on eating out.
Order water - It is amazing how much money they charge you for soda and iced tea. Ordering water can save you as much as $2 per person. I carry flavor packets in my purse (Crystal Light, Kool Aid) for days when the boys just don't want water so they can add these to their water. Also, I will ask for lemon in my water and add a little sweetener for a light lemonade.
Share - At most restaurants the entrees are huge. My husband and I typically split an entrees. My boys are such big eaters that if they can agree on what to eat they can do the same thing.
Order Appetizers or Lunch Portions - This way you don't pay for or eat food you don't want or need.
Plan on leftovers - If you aren't sharing your entree, take half home for lunch the next day. That way you are getting two meals for the price of one.
Kids Eat Free - What parent doesn't love this phrase? The key is just making a list and keeping up with your local restaurants and which nights this offer is available. In general, Tuesdays are "kids eat free" days. Here are a few "Kids Eat Free" deals:
Champps -- Kids eat free on Tuesday evenings (two kids per paying adult)
Chick-fil-A Family night on Tuesdays: buy one combo and receive a free child's meal.
Denny's -- Kids eat free on Tuesday and some Saturdays from 4-10 pm
Golden Corral -- Golden Corral has prize drawings every 30 minutes on Tuesday nights for kids, plus balloons and kids eat free.
IHOP -- Kids eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays
Jason's Deli -- Kids eat free on Wednesday Evenings
O'Charley's -- Kids u12 and under eat free every night of the week (up to 2 per paying adult)
Pizza Hut -- Kids eat free as on Tuesday nights (varies by location)
Pizza Inn -- Kids eat free on Monday nights (varies by location)
Roadhouse Grill -- Kids eat free as on Tuesday nights
Check for Kids Eat Free special in your area at this website.
Take home a menu!! I keep a folder with menus from all of our favorite restaurants. When I get stumped for meal ideas, I browse through some of our favorite restaurant menus for some ideas.
Buy an Entertainment Book - Typically these books cost about $20 and they are full of BOGO coupons for restaurants and entertainment. Our area schools sell these so it is a bonus in that we are giving to our local schools plus saving money on eating out.
Order water - It is amazing how much money they charge you for soda and iced tea. Ordering water can save you as much as $2 per person. I carry flavor packets in my purse (Crystal Light, Kool Aid) for days when the boys just don't want water so they can add these to their water. Also, I will ask for lemon in my water and add a little sweetener for a light lemonade.
Share - At most restaurants the entrees are huge. My husband and I typically split an entrees. My boys are such big eaters that if they can agree on what to eat they can do the same thing.
Order Appetizers or Lunch Portions - This way you don't pay for or eat food you don't want or need.
Plan on leftovers - If you aren't sharing your entree, take half home for lunch the next day. That way you are getting two meals for the price of one.
Kids Eat Free - What parent doesn't love this phrase? The key is just making a list and keeping up with your local restaurants and which nights this offer is available. In general, Tuesdays are "kids eat free" days. Here are a few "Kids Eat Free" deals:
Champps -- Kids eat free on Tuesday evenings (two kids per paying adult)
Chick-fil-A Family night on Tuesdays: buy one combo and receive a free child's meal.
Denny's -- Kids eat free on Tuesday and some Saturdays from 4-10 pm
Golden Corral -- Golden Corral has prize drawings every 30 minutes on Tuesday nights for kids, plus balloons and kids eat free.
IHOP -- Kids eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays
Jason's Deli -- Kids eat free on Wednesday Evenings
O'Charley's -- Kids u12 and under eat free every night of the week (up to 2 per paying adult)
Pizza Hut -- Kids eat free as on Tuesday nights (varies by location)
Pizza Inn -- Kids eat free on Monday nights (varies by location)
Roadhouse Grill -- Kids eat free as on Tuesday nights
Check for Kids Eat Free special in your area at this website.
Take home a menu!! I keep a folder with menus from all of our favorite restaurants. When I get stumped for meal ideas, I browse through some of our favorite restaurant menus for some ideas.
How do you save money on eating out? Share! Share!
Friday, August 29, 2008
7 going on 21
I can't believe it. I really can't. You can't be 7 years old today. The day Daddy and I found out we were pregnant with you we couldn't believe it. You are the piece that completes our puzzle and God knew that when He was knitting you so completely and perfectly. You display your Papa and Cousin Randy's sense of humor on a daily basis and that thrills me. Your hair has the exact same birthmark that my uncle's has and I think that is fascinating. Your intellect and ability to learn things comes from your Daddy. Every day I see more and more of how God is shaping you and I am in awe.
Somewhere today Trent Lott is celebrating his granddaughter's birthday too. How do I know that? Because his daughter arrived just before us and got the absolute last birthing room at the hospital which is why you were born in a utility closet that they cleaned out and put a bed in for us. (No, I am so not kidding!) She is also the reason that they delayed a decision for me to have a c-section after 23 hours of labor and you being stuck on my pelvic bone. They let her go first in line for the O.R. which allowed me to beg my doctor to try ONE MORE TIME to deliver you naturally. He relented because what else was he going to do with me holding him by his forearm pulling all the hair off his arm? You do NOT deny a woman who has been in labor that long without an epidural. [Oh, yes, I wanted an epidural. Tried to get an epidural. My epidurals never took because of the medications I take for seizures.] Yes, I can really thank her for all of that because if I had had a c-section I would have missed "the moment."
"The moment" was just after you were born. The doctor said, "It's a boy!" and I had just caught a glimpse of you. Donald said, "Hey, Little Guy!" You turned your head around and looked straight at your Daddy. Our doctor said, "Did you see that? He looked straight toward the sound of his Daddy's voice. That was cool." Yes, it was.
The first six years of your life have been full of "cool" moments. We can't wait to see and experience so many more.
Happy Birthday, Little Guy. We are so proud of you!
Somewhere today Trent Lott is celebrating his granddaughter's birthday too. How do I know that? Because his daughter arrived just before us and got the absolute last birthing room at the hospital which is why you were born in a utility closet that they cleaned out and put a bed in for us. (No, I am so not kidding!) She is also the reason that they delayed a decision for me to have a c-section after 23 hours of labor and you being stuck on my pelvic bone. They let her go first in line for the O.R. which allowed me to beg my doctor to try ONE MORE TIME to deliver you naturally. He relented because what else was he going to do with me holding him by his forearm pulling all the hair off his arm? You do NOT deny a woman who has been in labor that long without an epidural. [Oh, yes, I wanted an epidural. Tried to get an epidural. My epidurals never took because of the medications I take for seizures.] Yes, I can really thank her for all of that because if I had had a c-section I would have missed "the moment."
"The moment" was just after you were born. The doctor said, "It's a boy!" and I had just caught a glimpse of you. Donald said, "Hey, Little Guy!" You turned your head around and looked straight at your Daddy. Our doctor said, "Did you see that? He looked straight toward the sound of his Daddy's voice. That was cool." Yes, it was.
The first six years of your life have been full of "cool" moments. We can't wait to see and experience so many more.
Happy Birthday, Little Guy. We are so proud of you!
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Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tagged!
I'm it! Sara has tagged me, so here it goes. :)
Six Things You May Not Know About Me:
1) My ears were "virgin" until just last summer. When I was growing up I begged my Daddy to let me get my ears pierced, but he said I had enough holes in my head. Ha! As I grew older, I started wearing clip earrings and just lost interest. Last summer my Mom mentioned that she was thinking about getting her ears pierced and I said, "If you do it, I will." So one day we told my Dad that we were going to town and we just went and did it. He says that he will never trust us alone again! I'm glad I waited because it was so fun to do with my Mom.
2) One time when we went on vacation to the mountains, we stopped in this little souvenier shop. It was such a cool shop kind of built log cabin style. I fell in love with this little Indian girl with a baby on her back. I wanted it but Mom said no (probably because she had already bought me too much). My Daddy bought that little doll and gave it to me later. I still have that doll although the baby must have grown up and gone to college because I can't find it anywhere.
3) I play the piano. I played for that group that went to New Orleans to perform for the World's Fair and I used to play for church every Sunday. I love to play. Although I don't play as much as I used to, I have a piano in my living room and when no one is at home I love to sit down and just play and play and play.
4) I had more than one doctor tell me that I would NEVER, EVER get pregnant. Doctors may go to medical school, but they are not God -- the GREAT PHYSICIAN. Never trust a diagnosis until you get it from Him. And never, ever get in the way of a praying Mom. While we were in the seven year wait for our Big Guy, my Mom bought us a Noah's Ark nursery set as a "seed" gift. She did it as an act of faith. We were proud to bring both of our boys home to that nursery set and put them to sleep under that comforter that reminded us every night that "God always keeps his promises."
5) I am not a follower. If it is a BIG book, BIG speaker, BIG fad or BIG anything I will probably be skeptical of it. Rick Warren's book? Sorry. Threw it in the trash after the first chapter when he wrapped the Scriptures around his purpose. Joel Osteel? Sorry. Jesus did not come to preach a prosperity Gospel.
6) And finally, I have never watched the movie, Titanic. See? I told you I am not a BIG follower. Plus, I already knew how it was going to end.
We Can't Ignore...
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules to your blog
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Officially we are supposed to tag six people, but I think everyone I know that blogs has been tagged so if you haven't let's hear from you!!
Six Things You May Not Know About Me:
1) My ears were "virgin" until just last summer. When I was growing up I begged my Daddy to let me get my ears pierced, but he said I had enough holes in my head. Ha! As I grew older, I started wearing clip earrings and just lost interest. Last summer my Mom mentioned that she was thinking about getting her ears pierced and I said, "If you do it, I will." So one day we told my Dad that we were going to town and we just went and did it. He says that he will never trust us alone again! I'm glad I waited because it was so fun to do with my Mom.
2) One time when we went on vacation to the mountains, we stopped in this little souvenier shop. It was such a cool shop kind of built log cabin style. I fell in love with this little Indian girl with a baby on her back. I wanted it but Mom said no (probably because she had already bought me too much). My Daddy bought that little doll and gave it to me later. I still have that doll although the baby must have grown up and gone to college because I can't find it anywhere.
3) I play the piano. I played for that group that went to New Orleans to perform for the World's Fair and I used to play for church every Sunday. I love to play. Although I don't play as much as I used to, I have a piano in my living room and when no one is at home I love to sit down and just play and play and play.
4) I had more than one doctor tell me that I would NEVER, EVER get pregnant. Doctors may go to medical school, but they are not God -- the GREAT PHYSICIAN. Never trust a diagnosis until you get it from Him. And never, ever get in the way of a praying Mom. While we were in the seven year wait for our Big Guy, my Mom bought us a Noah's Ark nursery set as a "seed" gift. She did it as an act of faith. We were proud to bring both of our boys home to that nursery set and put them to sleep under that comforter that reminded us every night that "God always keeps his promises."
5) I am not a follower. If it is a BIG book, BIG speaker, BIG fad or BIG anything I will probably be skeptical of it. Rick Warren's book? Sorry. Threw it in the trash after the first chapter when he wrapped the Scriptures around his purpose. Joel Osteel? Sorry. Jesus did not come to preach a prosperity Gospel.
6) And finally, I have never watched the movie, Titanic. See? I told you I am not a BIG follower. Plus, I already knew how it was going to end.
We Can't Ignore...
1. Link to the person who tagged you
2. Post the rules to your blog
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Officially we are supposed to tag six people, but I think everyone I know that blogs has been tagged so if you haven't let's hear from you!!
Everything's Going To Be Alright
This test told me so! (RT told me to take this test.) What is your personality type?
Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...
Take The Perception Personality Image Test at HelloQuizzy
Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...
HBPS - The Optimist
Humanity, Background, Big Picture, and ShapeYou perceive the world with particular attention to humanity. You focus on the hidden treasures of life (the background) and how that fits into the larger picture. You are also particularly drawn towards the shapes around you. Because of the value you place on humanity, you tend to seek out other people and get energized by being around others. You like to ponder ideas and imagine the many possibilities of your life without worrying about the details or specifics. You are in tune with all that is around you and understand your life as part of a larger whole. You prefer a structured environment within which to live and you like things to be predictable.
The Perception Personality Types:
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
WFMW - Frozen Fruit Kabobs
My boys tend to be a little picky about the fruits they eat, but I like them to try new fruits. I have discovered that frozen fruit kabobs are a great way for them to enjoy not only fruit, but to try new fruits.
I usually pick up wooden skewers at the end of summer sales for a quarter and store them in my kitchen drawers. When we buy fruit, the boys enjoy making fruit kabobs. As you can see below, it can be a very intense process.
When we are finished we have a tray full of fruit kabobs to put in the freezer. Everyone looks different, but that is O.K. We usually wind up eating as we talk and have no rhyme or reason to our process.
I usually pick up wooden skewers at the end of summer sales for a quarter and store them in my kitchen drawers. When we buy fruit, the boys enjoy making fruit kabobs. As you can see below, it can be a very intense process.
When we are finished we have a tray full of fruit kabobs to put in the freezer. Everyone looks different, but that is O.K. We usually wind up eating as we talk and have no rhyme or reason to our process.
I wish I had taken a pic of our favorite way to eat these frozen fruit kabobs, but I didn't. We buy a bottle of chocolate Magic Shell. We pour a general line of chocolate over the frozen kabob and wait for the chocolate shell to harden. Oh, my! Soooooo good!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Word of the Day: Specificity
When at Saddleback, Obama couldn't answer the question, "When does life begin?" but as this video clearly shows he hasn't always had such a problem answering that question. While Obama found it "above his pay grade" to answer this question, it is ironic to me that it isn't above his pay grade to strongly back a woman's right to have an abortion or support the Freedom of Choice Act.
In Obama's book he states that he believes that "all roads leads to heaven." This is the simplest description of universalism and ultimately heresy. As a Bible believing Christian, watching the Saddleback debate only more firmly entranced my belief that Obama is definitely NOT the person to be the next president.
Open the eyes of our heart, Lord.
In Obama's book he states that he believes that "all roads leads to heaven." This is the simplest description of universalism and ultimately heresy. As a Bible believing Christian, watching the Saddleback debate only more firmly entranced my belief that Obama is definitely NOT the person to be the next president.
Open the eyes of our heart, Lord.
Monday, August 25, 2008
New Word: Habitual
The boys have a way of picking up a new word and saying it over and over again. Using it all the time. Lately the word of the day has been "habitual". That really didn't strike me as funny until I saw where one of the boys had written it on a piece of paper.
habitchual
Oh, boys! Where is the dictionary? I think you need to look up your new word.
Every Little Kiss Is For You
"Well I still remember the first time I felt the power of your kiss
It hit me like a bolt of lightning
I said I never will recover from this
And like the words from the mouth of a prophet
I have lived to see those words come true
Just look at me now, I'm still reeling
With every little kiss I'm reminded how wonderful it is to be in love with you
With every little look. With every little touch. With every little kiss.
Like a moth being drawn to a candle this is something that I can't resist
I guess you could say I'm addicted cause I keep coming back again and again
And after all of the storms we have weathered
All the seasons of change we've been though
Well Somehow the flame keeps getting brighter
With every little kiss I'm reminded how wonderful it is to be in love with you
With every little look. With every little touch. With every kiss."
(Every Little Kiss, Steven Curtis Chapman)
Yes, Hubs, That's You! You are my best friend, my husband, my confidant, my cheerleader, my lover, and my encourager. There is no better husband or father on the face of the earth. You are truly in your element when you are with our boys. Just seeing you with them makes me fall deeper in love with you.
Have a great day! Let's plan on going to supper early and getting the boys to bed even earlier, O.K.?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Give Until There's Nothing Left
This song has spoken volumes to my soul over the past two weeks. It is by a great group called Relient K. It says what I feel about the situation I am in right now. I will give until there's nothing left.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Saturday Savings: Clothing
It is time for back to school shopping and with that comes back to school clothing. I am reassessing and trying to figure out how to make the most of my clothing budget.
1. Before you start your shopping, you should start in your closet. Inventory! Organize to see what you really do and do not have. Pull down those boxes of stored clothes from the attic and look through those too. You may think you remember what you have, but it is always best to double check.
1. Before you start your shopping, you should start in your closet. Inventory! Organize to see what you really do and do not have. Pull down those boxes of stored clothes from the attic and look through those too. You may think you remember what you have, but it is always best to double check.
(So if you logged on this morning you realized that I forgot to finish this post. Boy, my brain has been fried lately. Here is the rest of this post. Thanks to all of you who have posted great suggestions on saving money on clothing! Make sure you check the comments.)
2. Set up a swap with friends and family to trade clothes with children who are slightly older than your children. For example: I save my boy's clothing for my friend's little boy. My sister saves my nephew's clothing for me.
3. If you are hooked on certain brand clothing (Ralph Lauren, Hilfiger, etc...), you will save up to 50% by shopping at the outlet stores.
4. Shop end of season. Right now stores are getting rid of summer inventory to make way for fall and school clothing. You can get great bargains on swimwear and beach items for next summer.
5. For new clothing, buy your clothes off season when they are on sale. Stock up on commonly worn items (t-shirts, underwear, jeans) when they are on clearance.
6. Buy versatile clothing that can be used in more than one outfit, black slacks can be worn with different jackets and tops or shirts. When buying clothing that you wear a lot, it often pays to buy quality brands that will hold up to frequent wear.
7. Sell clothing that you no longer use at a consignment store or a garage sale. Clean out your closet at the end of every season. Use the money you earn to buy new clothing.
8. Donate used clothing to charities for tax deductions.
9. Don't "kill time" in clothing stores or you may buy things you don't need. (This was directed at me!)
10. When shopping, have a definite plan and stick to it.
11. Buy men's suits & coats in February, April, November & before Christmas.
12. Buy women's winter coats & suits in November.
13. Buy men's shirts, socks and underwear before Father's Day in June.
14. Remember that high price does not necessarily mean good quality.
15. If you cannot find what you want, go home without it.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Don't Fence Me In
Little Guy hopped on his stick horse and road off into the, uh, sunrise for school this morning. Today is rodeo day in 2nd grade.Thanks to my wonderful friend, Shane, we had an authentic cowboy hat and a rodeo buckle for him to wear. She also helped me finish our homemade stick horse. (Yes, I know you can buy them at the store, but Little Guy and I love crafts and wanted to make our own.)
Last night as we were trying on his outfit and taking this picture I asked him if he had everything he needed for the day.
He said, "Mom, I don't have a snack."
"What do you mean? You guys have already eaten all the after school snacks?"
"Nooooo. I don't have a cowboy snack."
Think quick. Think quick. "How about trail mix? That is a good cowboy snack."
He grinned and said, "Cool. Do we have stuff for that?"
I said, "Let's go."
I grabbed a ziploc bag and started throwing stuff out on the cabinet. I told him that the cool thing about cowboy trail mix was that you got to put in what you wanted. I told him to go to town.
Out of the cabinet I grabbed: Welch's dried berries, cashews, Ritz bitz crackers, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, Hidden Valley Ranch oyster crackers (we made them Sunday), granola, cheerios
When he left for school he thought he had the coolest cowboy snack ever and I thought I had the cutest cowboy ever.
Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys! (Especially if your cowboys' belt buckle shoots lasers... Little Guy said his belt buckle had that secret power. Bet you didn't know that, Shane!)
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Through It All
Two weeks ago today I woke up and life just changed. Sometimes it just happens like that. Your phone rings. Someone knocks on your door. A car crashes. A doctor walks through the door. Whatever the moment, your life is changed.
I don't know what you do in moments of crisis but my instinct is to run. Run to my Daddy. Ask him to make it better. Run to my husband and ask him to hold me. Run to my God.
My God... He has been infinitely patient with me these past two weeks. I have whispered so many questions and requests in his listening ear. I have soaked his comforting shoulders with tears. I have beat on his broad chest as I asked "Why? Why?". I have wrapped my arms around his waist and asked him to hold me when I ran out of strength. Some moments have even found me hiding behind his knees like a little scared child. I have grasped His strong hand through every minute of the day and allowed Him to lead me like the Savior that He is.
Through each and every situation His grace has been sufficient for me. His love has been strong and tender all at the same time.
I know that the road ahead of us is still long, but it gives me great comfort to know that He is walking right beside me.
I don't know what you do in moments of crisis but my instinct is to run. Run to my Daddy. Ask him to make it better. Run to my husband and ask him to hold me. Run to my God.
My God... He has been infinitely patient with me these past two weeks. I have whispered so many questions and requests in his listening ear. I have soaked his comforting shoulders with tears. I have beat on his broad chest as I asked "Why? Why?". I have wrapped my arms around his waist and asked him to hold me when I ran out of strength. Some moments have even found me hiding behind his knees like a little scared child. I have grasped His strong hand through every minute of the day and allowed Him to lead me like the Savior that He is.
Through each and every situation His grace has been sufficient for me. His love has been strong and tender all at the same time.
I know that the road ahead of us is still long, but it gives me great comfort to know that He is walking right beside me.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
What Olympic Sport Are You?
You know how addicted I am to the Olympics. When I saw this quiz I couldn't resist. Badminton... I can live with that although I have always DREAMED of doing synchronized swimming!!
You Are Badminton |
 You are quite talented but not very appreciated. You are detail oriented, very focused, and agile. You are happy to forsake glory for success in something you truly love. |
Monday, August 18, 2008
Tidbits
Carrie AND MS Mom tagged me and asked me to post six random things about myself. I can't even remember how Carrie and I ran into each other in this blogging world, but we have discovered that we could really be good friends. And not just good friends, but the kind of friends who could stir up a LOT of trouble together!! MS Mom is one of my favorite stops of my blogging day. She is funny, smart and amazingly witty.
1. I have jumped off an Olympic diving board. Our church's World Youth Congress was held on the grounds of Oaxtepec, Mexico which was the site of the 1968 Olympics. I still remember the stark fear I had standing up there and shaking trying to convince myself to jump off.
2. My husband asked me to stand on a couch for our first kiss. He is 6'5" and I am 5'2". We had been on a couple of dates and when he decided to kiss me he sort of leaned over and then backed up and said, "Would you mind standing on the couch?" (I tried not to jump up there too fast!) Oh, man, can he kiss!
3. I performed in the 1983 World's Fair in New Orleans. I was in a song and dance troupe with my high school and we were asked by the Governor to go and be a part of the entertainment for Mississippi week. It was so much fun missing school for a multi day "field trip", performing a couple times a day and then exploring the fair and the city the rest of the time.
4. Growing up I wanted to be a nurse. I volunteered as a candy striper at our local hospital. Two events made me realize I couldn't cut it: 1.) Fainting at blood and 2.) Doing service at the E.R. and seeing a gunshot victim and a car wreck victim. My heart couldn't take it.
5. Bridges and tunnels give me the creeps. I dread driving through Mobile just because I hate driving through that tunnel or over that long bridge... same thing with going to New Orleans. I am so paranoid I have window punches in my car.
6. Before I was born, my Grandmother wanted my parents to name me Opsie Lee. Thank GOODNESS my parents didn't listen to her!
1. I have jumped off an Olympic diving board. Our church's World Youth Congress was held on the grounds of Oaxtepec, Mexico which was the site of the 1968 Olympics. I still remember the stark fear I had standing up there and shaking trying to convince myself to jump off.
2. My husband asked me to stand on a couch for our first kiss. He is 6'5" and I am 5'2". We had been on a couple of dates and when he decided to kiss me he sort of leaned over and then backed up and said, "Would you mind standing on the couch?" (I tried not to jump up there too fast!) Oh, man, can he kiss!
3. I performed in the 1983 World's Fair in New Orleans. I was in a song and dance troupe with my high school and we were asked by the Governor to go and be a part of the entertainment for Mississippi week. It was so much fun missing school for a multi day "field trip", performing a couple times a day and then exploring the fair and the city the rest of the time.
4. Growing up I wanted to be a nurse. I volunteered as a candy striper at our local hospital. Two events made me realize I couldn't cut it: 1.) Fainting at blood and 2.) Doing service at the E.R. and seeing a gunshot victim and a car wreck victim. My heart couldn't take it.
5. Bridges and tunnels give me the creeps. I dread driving through Mobile just because I hate driving through that tunnel or over that long bridge... same thing with going to New Orleans. I am so paranoid I have window punches in my car.
6. Before I was born, my Grandmother wanted my parents to name me Opsie Lee. Thank GOODNESS my parents didn't listen to her!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Fill In The Blank
Outside My Window...
A flower bed planted by my husband and boys as part of my birthday present. Right in the middle of it is my cat sleeping very lazily.
I am thinking...
about the after school snacks that are in the oven baking and about my boys.
I am thankful for...
that God truly never leaves us or forsakes us.
From the kitchen...
I am baking a new batch Hidden Valley Ranch oyster crackers for the boys. I also have ribs in the crock pot.
I am wearing...
one of my husband's t-shirts and a pair of shorts.
I am creating...
a big mess in the kitchen with the cooking.
I am going...
crazy. I am just not good at being out of control and there are just some things in my life right that I have no control over.
I am reading...
Presumed Guilty by James Scott Bell.
I am hoping...
to get the house clean. Maybe it's more of a wish than a hope. Maybe it's science fiction. I'm not sure.
I am hearing...
the clicking of the keyboard, the sound of the air conditioner and my prayers running through my mind.
Around the house...
there are pockets of "to do's" that I just don't have the energy for right now.
One of my favorite things...
The way my husband's face feels after he has just shaved.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
For now I am just thinking about "now". One step at a time. Moment by moment. The rest of the week will just have to take care of itself.
A flower bed planted by my husband and boys as part of my birthday present. Right in the middle of it is my cat sleeping very lazily.
I am thinking...
about the after school snacks that are in the oven baking and about my boys.
I am thankful for...
that God truly never leaves us or forsakes us.
From the kitchen...
I am baking a new batch Hidden Valley Ranch oyster crackers for the boys. I also have ribs in the crock pot.
I am wearing...
one of my husband's t-shirts and a pair of shorts.
I am creating...
a big mess in the kitchen with the cooking.
I am going...
crazy. I am just not good at being out of control and there are just some things in my life right that I have no control over.
I am reading...
Presumed Guilty by James Scott Bell.
I am hoping...
to get the house clean. Maybe it's more of a wish than a hope. Maybe it's science fiction. I'm not sure.
I am hearing...
the clicking of the keyboard, the sound of the air conditioner and my prayers running through my mind.
Around the house...
there are pockets of "to do's" that I just don't have the energy for right now.
One of my favorite things...
The way my husband's face feels after he has just shaved.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
For now I am just thinking about "now". One step at a time. Moment by moment. The rest of the week will just have to take care of itself.
If Heaven Had Voice Mail
Thank you for calling My Father's House.
Please select one of the following options:
Press 1 for Requests
Press 2 for Thanksgiving
Press 3 for Complaints
Press 4 for All Other Inquiries.
I'm sorry, all of our angels are busy helping other sinners right now. However, your prayer is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received, so please stay on the line. If you would like to speak to:
God, Press 1
For Jesus, Press 2
For the Holy Spirit, Press 3
If you would like to hear King David sing a Psalm while you are holding please press 4.
To find out if a loved one has been assigned to Heaven, Press 5, enter his or her NRIC number, then press the # key. (If you get a negative response, try area code 666.)
For reservations at "My Father's House" please enter J-O-H-N followed by 3-1-6.
For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth and where Noah's Ark is, please wait until you arrive here.
Our computers show that you have already prayed once today. Please hang up and try again tomorrow.
This office is closed for the weekend to observe a religious holiday.
Please pray again Monday after 9:30 AM. If you need emergency Assistance when this office is closed, contact your local pastor."
Please select one of the following options:
Press 1 for Requests
Press 2 for Thanksgiving
Press 3 for Complaints
Press 4 for All Other Inquiries.
I'm sorry, all of our angels are busy helping other sinners right now. However, your prayer is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received, so please stay on the line. If you would like to speak to:
God, Press 1
For Jesus, Press 2
For the Holy Spirit, Press 3
If you would like to hear King David sing a Psalm while you are holding please press 4.
To find out if a loved one has been assigned to Heaven, Press 5, enter his or her NRIC number, then press the # key. (If you get a negative response, try area code 666.)
For reservations at "My Father's House" please enter J-O-H-N followed by 3-1-6.
For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth and where Noah's Ark is, please wait until you arrive here.
Our computers show that you have already prayed once today. Please hang up and try again tomorrow.
This office is closed for the weekend to observe a religious holiday.
Please pray again Monday after 9:30 AM. If you need emergency Assistance when this office is closed, contact your local pastor."
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Saturday Savings: The Best Time To Buy
Did you know that there is a best time of year to make purchases to get the best price? If you look at the "best" times you will notice a pattern. It is always during the off season when the item you need isn't in demand. For example, right now it is summer and blazing hot. Who wants to guess we could get a huge deal on a winter coat and snowboards?
Air conditioners Best time: winter
Big appliances Best time: September and October
Bicycles and outdoor gear Best time: January
Boats Best time: January, February and March
Cars Best time: September
Cell phones Best time: any time
Computers Best time: July and August
Cookware Best times: April and May; October and November
Furniture Best times: January and July
Gas grills Best time: winter
Jewelry Best time: Avoid the holidays, Valentine's Day and
Mother's Day
Linens and bedding Best time: January
Mattresses Best time: always
Real estate Best time: spring
Recreational vehicles Best time: fall and winter
Toys Best time: October and November
TVs and home theaters Best time: winter holiday sales and January
Vacuum cleaners Best time: April and May
Wedding Best time: winter
Best Time Source
Air conditioners Best time: winter
Big appliances Best time: September and October
Bicycles and outdoor gear Best time: January
Boats Best time: January, February and March
Cars Best time: September
Cell phones Best time: any time
Computers Best time: July and August
Cookware Best times: April and May; October and November
Furniture Best times: January and July
Gas grills Best time: winter
Jewelry Best time: Avoid the holidays, Valentine's Day and
Mother's Day
Linens and bedding Best time: January
Mattresses Best time: always
Real estate Best time: spring
Recreational vehicles Best time: fall and winter
Toys Best time: October and November
TVs and home theaters Best time: winter holiday sales and January
Vacuum cleaners Best time: April and May
Wedding Best time: winter
Best Time Source
Friday, August 15, 2008
Made in China
You know how addicted I am to the Olympics. I am glued to the television for every Olympic event. I have even converted to watching the Today Show in the morning just to hear Olympic tidbits. (That is a big change since I am not a big fan of Matt or Meredith.)
I must admit that if I were an Olympic competitor I would not be happy about being in China. I am one that sees the tag "Made in China" on everything here in America and just cringes.
Watching the Olympics has not improved my feelings? For every amazing athlete, there has been a disappointing "fake".
Opening ceremony fireworks -- It didn't happen at the Olympics. It was all fake and added digitally for the viewing of foreign audiences.
Fake singer - How sad is it that they thought that precious little girl wasn't "cute" enough to sing the song for the opening ceremony?
Atmosphere - Do you seriously think that what we are seeing on television is "mist"? It is POLLUTION!
City - China went so crazy trying to modernize Beijing that critics are saying that many of the historic neighborhoods have been destroyed.
Athletes - There are age limits on events in the Olympics, but the Chinese are skirting that rule by several years. It has been proven several times. The IOC's response? Oh, well!
Freedoms - Have you seen the video of the reporter being arrested for trying to cover a protest?
Politics - It is a communist country! I still am appalled that we would even dignify China by selecting them to host the Olympics.
I must admit that if I were an Olympic competitor I would not be happy about being in China. I am one that sees the tag "Made in China" on everything here in America and just cringes.
Watching the Olympics has not improved my feelings? For every amazing athlete, there has been a disappointing "fake".
Opening ceremony fireworks -- It didn't happen at the Olympics. It was all fake and added digitally for the viewing of foreign audiences.
Fake singer - How sad is it that they thought that precious little girl wasn't "cute" enough to sing the song for the opening ceremony?
Atmosphere - Do you seriously think that what we are seeing on television is "mist"? It is POLLUTION!
City - China went so crazy trying to modernize Beijing that critics are saying that many of the historic neighborhoods have been destroyed.
Athletes - There are age limits on events in the Olympics, but the Chinese are skirting that rule by several years. It has been proven several times. The IOC's response? Oh, well!
Freedoms - Have you seen the video of the reporter being arrested for trying to cover a protest?
Politics - It is a communist country! I still am appalled that we would even dignify China by selecting them to host the Olympics.I am so proud to be an American. Go USA! and when you shop please buy "Made in America" products!
Flashback Friday: Oh, Baby!
Yes, that is me. 18 months old and a complete hand full. If my Mom would let me post a picture of her you would see that she was a tiny, itty, bitty, petite girl that weighed (as my Dad describes) "90 pounds soaking wet". I always have been a strong willed person. Mom said that the only way I could learn anything was to do it the hard way.
My parents have many stories of me being a baby:
* Not wanting to go to bed and jumping up and down and throwing a tantrum. Daddy wasn't going to put up with that. He let me know in no uncertain terms that I was going to lay down and go to sleep. I tested it -- of course - and he proved that he doesn't bluff.
* Apparently I was a free spirit in my baby days since they tell me I would strip down naked and go running down the sidewalk before they could catch me.
* My Mom said that my Pappaw called me "Buffy" after the little girl on the television show (pic to the right). She fixed my hair in ponytails like hers.* My Mom's calm, sweet spirit and my bull headed strong willed spirit caused many a conflict starting at an early age.
I think that every adult comes to a point in his/her life when she realizes how much they appreciate their mom. I have appreciated my Mom for a long time, but never as much as this week. She has listened, cried, talked and just sat with me.
Oh to be able to turn back the hands of time and take back all those moments of distress I gave her.
Mom, I love you. I wish everyone had a Mom like you.
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