Is it just me?

If we had all the riches

that we could ever spend

it could never buy the treasures

the heart finds in a friend.

Unknown Author

My day has began thinking about friendship. I flipped the page of my devotional calendar that is perched on the window sill above the kitchen sink this morning. I read the words above.

I clicked to Soul Journey, an online devotional sight, and read today's words, The Covenant. The exact subject I am studying in my class every Thursday morning. The author begins with this question, "What ever happened to the best friend you had when you were ten?". The author continues to equate friendship to our relationship with God and the promises He makes to us. A relationship that will literally last forever! If you have never studied covenants in the Bible, you need to make it a priority. I have been blessed! God is our forever friend! The author ends with, "Don't feel bad about forgetting that fourth grade friend. Most of us have."

Have most of us forgotten our best friends when we were youth? I haven't. I will NEVER forget the forever friends I had growing up! I have felt deeply passionate about keeping up with all those friends over the years. Is it just me? My son L is a fourth grader. He has had some of the same special buddies since he was four years old. I get teary eyed thinking he might not keep those bonds for the rest of his life. Those precious friendships!

My New Year's resolution this year was to find a few confidants that I have lost. I have found Amy, or she found me. We were neighborhood sisters for many years. We spend endless days building Barbie homes, riding our bikes to the corner store, and making mud pies. We lost touch when she moved out of state. I was surprised to receive a Christmas card from her this year with a picture of her beautiful family! I was ecstatic! I was also blessed to have coffee with Lori just recently when I visited her city. A short visit but priceless. I spoke of Cheryl and my Wild Weekend. And of course there is Kim and Elaine. There are many,many more.

My goal this year is to discover lost friends. My hope is to let them know that my thoughts are of them and to rekindle the covenant we shared at one time. I hope to find Jill, a friend from college. I would like to know how Dale is doing? I haven't spoken to my good friend D'Nell in quite sometime.

I still keep in touch with all my other treasured friends from when I was ten, sixteen, twenty, and in my thirties. It is one of my life goals. I have even remained friends with a couple of old boyfriends. Thankfully my husband understands the friendship part of those relationships are important to me as well.

As I was reminded this weekend when a friend of a friend passed away suddenly, life can end in a blink of an eye. I want all the treasured friends I have made in my lifetime to know that they all have a special place in my heart and that I will be their friend for life no matter what!

May I ask you all to pray for Bonnie and her two boys. They lost their husband and father on Saturday suddenly from a brain aneurysm.

WHAT THE HECK? What I was thinking in Logan's words. A miniature snake in our bathroom? How did he get there, I ask? OOOOOOO! It gives me the creeps! Please ignore the dirty floor in the background!

Could it be the MSG?

I woke up this morning with a small headache. Now I have a migraine. The only reason I am sitting at my computer telling you this and not laying down is because I saw this when I was checking my e-mail. Ahhh, it makes sense!

Wednesday night, K was craving egg rolls from this great Chinese place down the road. We have recently discovered it! I have never known K to crave anything, but he had skipped lunch that day and he was starved! I had the cashew chicken which is the best because there are a ton of cashews and mushrooms, yum!!!!! I love mushrooms! So, I am now wondering if the MSG in the food is the culprit! We ate there a few weeks ago and I got a migraine a day or so later!

Anyway, if you are a migraine sufferer, I hope the above article will help you! I am going to go bury my head into my feather pillows! Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a blessed weekend, everybody!

I have never heard of this before.....

Did you know birds can get drunk on holly berries? Interesting story!

Today's lesson #1:

Do Not Drink and Fly!

Today's Lesson #2

How to become a kissing queen!

Do the kissing quiz and tell me how you scored!

I am a "Born Romantic"

And the countdown continues.......

My son got braces a few weeks ago so he decided to count down the days until they come off. We have a little chalk board in our kitchen that we write notes on, reminders, etc.... He is recording his countdown on the board for us to see everyday!
I encouraged him to change it to weeks.

I have added a few of my own..........

76 weeks until K gets his braces off
53 days until April 15th
68 days left until I am officially "over the hill"
20 days until Spring Break
and
12 days until Baseball Season officially begins ( at our house, anyway)

Are you counting down anything?

Could you give it all up?

I am doing a Precepts Bible Study at my church. The subject is Covenants. We watch a video segment each week that reviews our study. The video is dated many years back, but the info is very prevalent even today. Last week the speaker, I can't recall his name, told us about a very radical thing his family did. Him and his wife sat down and made a list of all the material items that they would never want to part with. After they finished the list, about a page or so long, they gave away and sold all the items. One of them was their house. They moved into an apartment. The point was to let go of the material items that were holding them captive.

That story really hit home to me! Could I ever have the faith and discipline to just let go of all my prized possessions if God asked me to? My home, my furniture, my Precious Moments Collections, my grandmothers dining room set, the computer I am typing on, our big screen television, or my huge Pampered Chef collection in my kitchen. Just give it all away and totally rely on God's provision? As I think about those items, I think some of the hardest to part with have sentimental value opposed to material value. Those precious items still won't be going with me to the grave.

This lesson was very important to me because we are getting ready to sell our house, not to give it up, but to move into a bigger house. I say to myself and others,"We need a larger house". Do we really need a larger house, or do we want a larger house? God is reminding me to be careful to only obtain the things we need, and not to get carried away with the big wants and what everyone else has! We say to ourselves, we deserve more. We have worked hard to get where we are today. God is reminding me that we are here because of Him! He has brought us to this place.

I am then reminded of the story of Mary and Martha in Monica's post "out of obscurity". Mary gave up everything to worship Jesus!

As I am searching through the best how to live life book that I have ever found -God's Word - I stumbled across these well known verses- Matthew 6: 19 - 21:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Anyone have any great words of wisdom to add?

Don't miss out on this great deal!

For sale on Ebay? 

Pack Rat Syndrome

I admit it! Along with all my other strange disorders and idiosyncrasies, I am a pack rat! A pack rat, you know, someone who has to keep everything because they might need it someday. I am not sure when this syndrome originated in me. Something in my childhood sparked this incessant need to hang on to everything I owned. It wasn't like I was raised lacking anything. I pretty much had everything I needed and much more. I was somewhat spoiled. I am sure there is some psychological reason for the problem or some childhood episode hidden in my subconscious that has made me this way.

I am improving. I have four big black trash bags full of clothes, shoes, and purses that I have parted with in the back of my van headed for Salvation Army. Ahhh, freedom! It feels so good to finally let go.

Above are some of the odd items that I have felt the need to keep for many years because of future necessity! The first one is a leotard and tights that I used to aerobisize in! SCARY! I actually wore that in public and jumped around in it! The second are some shoes from my friend Tonya's wedding about fourteen years ago. I parted with the bridesmaid dress a few years ago, but I must have thought I would wear the shoes with the other teal outfits that I own? And, last but definitely the most frightening of them all is this tube of colored knee hose, in every color of the spectrum, I might add. I received these as a Christmas gift from my mom one year and I think I adored them at the time. I thought I might need a pair of teal hose to wear with my teal shoes?

Do you think I could sell these items on eBay! If any of you think you could not live without them, let me know now before they go off to the thrift store. Now I know why it is the best place to shop for Halloween costumes.

I will strive to heal myself of this disease! Ah, sweet freedom from stuff! The joy of simplicity!

Okay, why is Ebay on spell check, but not Blog?

Love is in the air!

Happy Heart Day, everyone!

I love Valentine's! We should tell the special people in our lives that we love them everyday, but it is a must today!!! I told my boys this morning "Happy Valentines, I love you" and they both grunted at me! Boys! Thankfully, I received a much better reception from my husband.
I hope you all have a special day with your Valentines.

Yesterday was a very special day as well. I completed my first half marathon- 13.1 miles! Whew! I am paying the price today- I can hardly walk! It is well worth all the pain involved!
Please go to my other blog to see April and I after our run. I ran it in 2 hours and 7 minutes with a 9:46 minute pace! Whew, again! Next year the full marathon? We'll see!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Bob and his electric flying sausage link

My son's name is Logan. Logan is ALL BOY and he is one of a kind! I have been wanting to write about Logan for awhile, but it is very difficult for me. I think Logan is totally opposite of me, but my husband informed me one night that we have similar personalities. Interesting, but I disagree. Logan can make me laugh hysterically one minute and the next make me scream. In other words, he pushes my buttons like no other.

I describe Logan most of the time as a "stinker". It is a very accurate description of him. Not only does he act like a stinker, but he usually emits quite a stink most of the time. If you looked in his sweet face at his big blue eyes you would never imagine the words and attitude that are spoken from his mouth at times and the smells that come from his bottom. He has his teachers totally fooled. Every year after about a week or two of school when I visit with them they say to me, "Logan is so sweet". I laugh and say thank you.

Let me explain to you why he is a stinker. As most boys do, Logan is obsessed with passing gas, making jokes about poop, and talking about both subjects the majority of the time. Most of the time we try to ignore him, but on occasion because of his extremely humorous nature and entertaining way, he makes even us laugh. It is really embarrassing. He loves to entertain. If he has the attention of all of us at the dinner table, he is content. He is usually the last one to finish his meal because he is our dining entertainment.

Logan is a really cool kid. Cool as in confident. Cool as in "happening". That's pretty much the best description for him. I think everyone would agree. He dresses really cool, only the coolest clothes will do. He even had an eye for cool duds when he was four. Cool clothes were his favorite gift under the tree. The kid walks cool. A teacher at school tried to learn how to walk like him after lunch one day. All the kids try, too. You know, he walks with a strut of confidence.

Logan has no fear. He will try anything and if it hurts, he will try it again. This attitude comes across well playing sports. He loves baseball, football, and basketball. He played tackle football for the first time this year and his nickname was "Ironman". It fit nicely.

Underneath that tough, cool, smart exterior is a real softy. Sometimes it is hard to get to that inner shell. I very rarely ever get a hug and a kiss from him. But, he loves to snuggle-buggle. He loves me to tickle his back every night before he goes to sleep. The day he gives me a big hug and kiss and looks me in the eye and tells me he loves me(on his own)- everyone will know about it! Tears will be flowing. When our dog Kasey was very sick, he headed to the other room because he didn't want me to see him crying. Every once in awhile he lets that sweetness escape for us to see. We all know that Logan really loves us and we find the clues to that.

Logan has a creative mind. One night he told his brother and I a story he was writing. He went on and on for about twenty minutes until we made him stop. The story is about "Bob the Evil Hobo and His Electric Flying Sausage Link". And of course you have read "The Evil Toylet" from a previous post. I just noticed the evil theme going on here.

Logan is one of a kind! I have already started praying for his wife, but he insists he is NEVER getting married. We'll see!

He will for sure have one woman loving him no matter what for the rest of his life: His Mom!

Some memories I will never forget!

In no specific order.....

Asking Jesus into my heart

The day God introduced Kevin & I to our sons

Having Chicken Pox at age 30 and nine months pregnant (great story- I will have to tell y'all about this one)

Kevin and I's first kiss

A December day in 1986

The last day I spent with Oma (my grandmother)

My wedding day

The morning I woke up to my flooded house

The morning my Mother-in-Law passed away

Making the Bonham Singers in Jr. High

When my dad was being treated for prostate cancer

Finishing my first sprint triathlon

Both of my son's Baptisms

Just in time for Valentines Day!

I thought you all might find this humorous:

I received this e-mail today from someone local. I am not sure if I know this person. Just thought you might be interested! (Ha) Does anyone know what "Nipple Drops" are? Okay, maybe I don't want to know!



Want to make you night a night of Pleasure well, I have the deal for you.



Sensations 2 for $15.00

Top it off & Nipple drops $13.00

All Books 15% OFF

All toys 10% if you get more than one

Novelties & Gifts well $2.00 off each Item


Have your Night off Senuous Pleasures & Fun

Slumberparties by Crystal
Slumber Parties / Your Personal Consultant
Book your Party Today

Tax Season #17

Our first tax season together.... The spring of 1989.... I remember it well......

After our first date, we sat in the car talking for hours. We already felt that spark of attraction. He said to me, "It is tax season and I probably won't be able to see you very much". We spent every tax day together after that memorable night. It began in February, we were engaged in July, and married in December. It was a whirlwind romance. It was a God thing..... God's plan, God's timing, God's blessing.

Yes, my husband is a CPA. Certified Public Accountant. Okay, stop right there! You are thinking about the stereo typical CPA and all the nerd references. I do find many of them quite amusing, but my husband doesn't fit into that mold. He is an athletic, sexy, sweet, witty, and of course a very intelligent CPA. No glasses, pocket pen protectors, high wasted pants, and weird hair doos.

Did I miss anything, honey?

So, we are starting our seventeenth tax season. Tax season requires my husband to work late every night, Saturdays, and Sunday's at home. After the first tax season, I found them to be very boring. We were newlyweds and I can remember laying around watching television waiting for my new husband to get home from the office.

The childbearing years were more difficult because I longed for my husband to be home to help with the boys. Toddler boys are very active.

When we moved to Central Texas, tax season became entwined with baseball season so things got a little more hectic. But you see, in my husband's eyes there is always time for baseball, the workpapers can wait. So all his spare time, which wasn't much, is spent on the baseball field coaching the boys. This is great because all three of us can spend a little bit more time with him.

Now, tax season doesn't seem so bad! Easy for me to say, right? I don't have to spend endless hours pouring over numbers! Yikes! I could absolutely never do that job or do my own tax return! I can't even balance the checkbook. The boys are older, more independent, easier to manage. Baseball keeps us busy. February through April 15th flies by.

So the count down begins: 67 days until my favorite holiday! A day we celebrate in our house every year! We have survived sixteen, we can survive sixteen more!

Right, honey?

Don't ever do this........

I should know better by now! I told Kevin last week that I am ready for our schedule to pick up and that I have had too much time on my hands! Ha! What a mistake!!!!

What a week! Logan has basketball and baseball practice three different nights this week. Keegan started track at school today and he has baseball two nights, basketball one night, plus a choir concert. Keegan is also getting braces tomorrow. He is so dreading it, but I know he will do fine. Anyone have any advice for us? Keegan reminded me in the car this morning that he needs baseball pants, new cleats, and a new glove as well. I know there is absolutely no way he can fit into his pants and cleats from last year. He has officially outgrown me and his feet are almost as big as his dads! How do they grow so fast???? I am about to cry....what happen to my baby?

We also have dinner with friends, a valentines dance at school, Bunko night, a track meeting, Book Fair, and Bible Study!

Then the weekend hits and we have two basketball games, baseball practice,Keegan is taking the ACT test, family pictures, running the half marathon, and a spaghetti lunch at church!

And....Kevin will be working non-stop all week so I am on my own!

Calgon....take me away!!!!!!!! Please pray for me!

The scary thing is....I am much more productive when I am busy so I will probably get much accomplished this week.

Expressing myself

It has been a strange week around my house and today actually feels like Tuesday. The boys were out of school Monday - Wednesday because of a yearly teacher's conference. It is a nice little break before the real break. So, yesterday was Monday and today feels like Tuesday not Friday. You know that great euphoria you feel on Friday because the weekend is finally here? No TGIF today, but IGIF (I'm glad it's Friday) will do!

I am having blogging issues. I started this blog because I wanted to express myself! Very simple, huh? I am a sanguine and one of those traits is always wanting to make everyone happy. Well, everyone knows that is simply impossible! The one thing I don't want to think about when blogging is entertaining everyone, but I do. I analyze to death every post I am going to write about so therefore I don't post. They are never good enough, creative enough, funny enough. By the way, I am also somewhat of a perfectionist of sorts. I should never have cared that some people don't read my blog anymore because I don't bring"wonder and awe" to their existence. I don't want to care that what I wrote isn't appropriate or "right". It shouldn't matter if I think that you really don't want to hear about my dog Kasey or that today doesn't feel like Friday. I will post whatever the hell I want to post! How is that for being assertive? (By the way, I don't use profanity, just thought it worked nicely with the point I am making!)

So, I am facing my blogging fears head on....... I will post what comes to my heart..... no matter what the cost...... no matter how appropriate..... wonder or no wonder.....happiness or sadness.... boring or exciting......it will be posted!

Whew, it feels good to get that off my chest........

I have a title for my "other blog". It is "the runner inside of me". I had hoped to post a diary of my training for the half marathon and other running tidbits. I am going to begin today even though we race in ten days! So, check it out!

The Evil Toylet

As you know I have been cleaning out every nook and cranny in my house. My husband came across several boxes that I had under our bed. Okay, I am a pack rat! I am confessing it to all of you. I have a very hard time throwing things away. It drives him nuts! Anyway, the boxes housed all of Keegan and Logan's school papers from the last three years that I thought were worthy of keeping. As I was going through them I came across one of Logan's writings from second grade, two years ago. I thought I would share it with you (exactly as it is):

The Evil Toylet

One day Andrew and I saw my mom cleaning the toylet. After she got out Andrew and I went to the toylet. A blue and orange man grabbed us. We trayed to get away but he flushed us down the toylet. They locked us in the tunle of doom. Walker and Grayson came to my house and Grayson had to go to the rest room he got flush down to. he got thrown in the tunle of doom with us. Walker was waiting in the Living room and setting on the coch watching yu gioh on my big screen. And looking at my yu gioh cards. Walker was setting for one hour he went and did not see Grayson. And checked my whole house and did not find Grayson. The last room was the restroom. He opened the door and sudley 5 nenjus flew out of the room.

Forget doing spell check on this post!

I hope your day finds you clear of the "tunly of doom"!