Paranoia, Will Destroy Ya!

I am losing my mind! Paranoia has gotten to me! Do you know what the definition of paranoia is? A mental disease with delusions of fame, grandeur,persecution. Well, let me explain......

As I have informed you, my 40th birthday is on Saturday! It's bad enough that this day is fast approaching, but for some reason I keep reminding you and others of this dreaded event! It has invaded my mind! When my husband turned forty last year I successfully pulled off a surprise party complete with black balloons, a black over the hill cemetery cake, black over the hill streamers, black confetti, and an assortment of over the hill paraphernalia! It was great! And, I have also told you about my goal in life to give everyone who has turned forty before me hell(to put it bluntly)! Therefore, I am paranoid!

This weekend a few small incidents took place that has clouded my mind. First of all, my mother called and wanted to know my husband office address. At first I didn't think much about it. Then at church yesterday, my friend April , whose daughter is in my Sunday School class, told me that they were going to come up to the class and take a picture for her daughters Social Studies class project. Okay, no big deal. When her husband came up to take the picture, he wanted me right in the middle of it! I thought it was a little strange! Last night I heard my husband open the door to the garage. I thought he went outside and I never heard him come back in. I thought it very strange that he was outside at 9:00 pm at night. It turns out he just was checking to make sure the garage door was closed and he was actually in the front office the whole time. The paranoia has taken control over me! When I asked my family and April what they have been up to, they all looked at me like I am crazed!

I HAVE LOSSED MY MIND!!!!!!!!!

A couple weeks ago after a baseball game, a few of my friends gave me a gift. It was from my husband (who was out of town at the time) and my three friends. He gave me a day at the spa and they were going to accompany me. They gave me the gift early because we had to schedule all of our treatments ahead of time. So, at that point I thought, "This is my 40th birthday gift!" No surprise birthday parties, no mean over the hill balloons or cakes, no posting really bad pictures of me from my younger days, no paranoia! Whew! I thought I could relax at that point. I can't relax! Could that be it? Am I making all this up in my head or are they planning a vicious scheme to pay me back for all of those false teeth and prune eating comments.

Well, on Friday I will spend a relaxing day at the spa! By then I going to be so tense and mentally diseased that I will need every bit of pampering they have to offer! Hopefully on Saturday I will be able to enjoy a nice pleasant birthday without any surprises!

Do you think they are going to let me off the hook that easy?

It's gone

I was feeling quite witty late yesterday afternoon and started writing my post for tomorrow! I was in one of those really good blogging moods. I was very pleased with my post! I wrote almost the entire thing, about four paragraphs and went down to the bottom of the page and pressed: Save as Draft!

POOF! It was gone!!!! Gone forever!!!

And then I thought, "I can get it back with the new and improved Recover Post feature!

Nope! It was gone!

Well, you missed out on my "The Domestic Side of Me" post!

Maybe it will come back another day!

I told my husband about this incident and his reply was:

" You have a domestic side?"

It is really quite humorous, expecially if you had read my post!

**************************************

My 40th birthday is in exactly nine days. Because I have made it a goal in my life to harrass all my friends that have turned 40 before me, I am now getting paid back. My great friend Kim has already been sending me reminder cards about how old I am going to be. Yesterday I received a cute card with a ugly, but cute dog dressed as a chef on the cover. It reads, "If you can't stand the heat......" And the inside says: "...don't light the candles!" And she wrote, "You better inform your local fire department for April 30th!"

Ha! Ha! Ha! I am laughing! It is very funny!


Hope you all have a laughter filled day!

My roses are crying out.....help.......

It's a little late. I have had these rose bushes for nine years. In April and May they always look mediocre. After that it is down hill fast. I would like to leave this house next month with beautiful roses. I have always had good intentions of learning how to develop breathtaking rose bushes, but I have procrastinated and now our relationship is almost over! I could compare that example to real life relationships or some other insightful thoughts but....... the purpose of this post is to say.....

Is there anyone out there that can help me with my roses? What do I do after they bloom? I am ignorant. At least I might learn something that I can use to improve my green thumb for our next home!

Help.........

My roses now..... 

Home Sweet Home!

When we happily relocated to Central Texas from the Panhandle of Texas it was very, very exciting! We had three days to find a home. We searched in the heat and humidity for the place God wanted us to plant our roots. On the third day we found THE house, our home! The whole event was bathed in much prayer and we knew we had found exactly God's place for us. I felt completely at home the moment we arrived! My love for this place is the same now as it was way back when, although we have added character and many fond memories. I can't believe nine years has flown away so rapidly! Where did the years disappear to? My mind travels back over the time......

When we began our adventure here K was four years old and L was a baby. Over the years the boys room has slowly transformed from a bright colored babies room with plug protectors to a kids sports room crowded with trophies and video games. The crib was the first to go, then the Little Tyke toddler toys slowly dissappeared. The day of the big baby garage sale arrived. All the baby toys, cute little outfits, and precious furniture was going to be sold that day. I remember the night before I sat in the floor and sobbed. I just couldn't do it. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to that era of my life. I decided to keep even more of the boys priceless outfits and the crib and highchair have lived happily in the attic for the last several years gathering dust. Last year I finally parted with the highchair, but the crib remained unmoved . I think instead of transferring it to storage, it is time to let go. Why is it so hard?

I can't find the many years that have flown by in this house. I can hardly remember L sitting in the highchair at our breakfast table. I don't recall waking up K for his first day of Kindergarten. I think it is time for me to finally sit down and record all these memories in the scrapbooks I have put back for the boys. It is long overdue.

Last week I found myself crying continuously all day because of the reality of leaving our home! Do you have those days you don't even bother putting on mascara? Not knowing where we will be relocating for the next four month or so. It's not the house that I will miss! It's the fear of forgetting more of the precious memories of our lives that were lived here. The fear of growing older. The fear of facing the day when my boys will leave and lead their own lives. I want time to slow down! I look at the boys sleeping in their beds. K is a young man now. L is losing that baby face! Stop! Just for a moment! Stop!

I thought I would be able to write this post easier today, but my face it wet with tears. I am excited about the future and the new adventures that God has waiting for us! The next chapter of our lives is just beginning! God is Good and He has Great things in store for us! I have no doubt! But, I will go through more tissues and tears before we actually leave. After loading everything up, I will look at the empty house one last time and say goodbye to those precious days that God gave us in this place. I will slowly step out of the door and confidently pursuit the route God has paved for us! I pray that I will!

Happy Birthday, Babe!

Today is my husband's birthday! I hope today is a great day!

Unfortunately, some very tragic events have happened on this day in history!

"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Fortunately, my husband was born on this day!

I love you, Babe. (No, I didn't forget your name-Ha!)

Happy Birthday!

P.S. If anyone out there wants to train for a sprint triathlon with me- go to my other blog to see the first week training schedule!

Recovering from the weekend!

Weekends around my house are never restful. We spent the majority of ours at the baseball fields in Dripping Springs, a small central Texas town. My husband coaches my son L's baseball team. The team has been very successful this year! The Jammers have played in five tournaments this season. They have placed first place in two tournaments, second in another, and this weekend they received a nice third place plaque ( all shown below). The majority of the boys on L's team have played together since they were four years old. It's a great team of boys and parents. We all get along wonderfully and have a blast together. God has blessed all of us , even my older son, with some special, long-lasting friendships!

I never dreamed that my life as a mom would revolve around sports! I guess I had a feeling I would raise boys. Once when I was a teenager, I saw a mom with four boys walking into the grocery store. I said to my friend, "That is going to be me one of these days". So, here I am- raising totally sports obsessed boys. (Now you know why I stopped at two.) Guess where they get it from? Not me! When my son K was a very small toddler he watched Barney on television and hummed "I love you, you love me, we're a happy family" (The Barney Theme song). When K was a little older he graduated to ESPN and it changed to "Take me out to the ball game, Take me out to the crowd". To this day, the sports channel is on every morning. It is scary how much sports trivia has soaked into my brain over the years. More knowledge than soaked in during my college days.

I don't think I would have it any other way! I love the cheer of the crowd, the crack of the bat, and the sparkle in my boys eyes when they are up to bat, behind the plate, or pitching a fast ball! It is in my blood now!

This morning we all struggled to get out of bed! Kevin is home from work today to recover. They always close the office one day after tax season. Tomorrow we will celebrate his birthday! Everybody tell K-my husband "Happy Birthday" tomorrow! Thanks to TAKS testing, no baseball until Wednesday. We will rest for a whole two days of the week so we can play ball again this weekend in Georgetown!

Play Ball!!!!

Share your weekend with me........

L's newest trophies! 

Don't be shy!

I thought it was interesting that thirty people came by for a visit on Wednesday and only two people said hello!

Yesterday fifteen visitors - one hello!

Just wondering who you are!

Have a great weekend!

Two More Days!

We are almost there...... two more days........we almost made it through another one........ hallelujah!!!!

Tax Season #17 is almost behind us!!!!!

I wonder if my husband is going to do our tax return on Friday or put in an extension? I really love not having to worry about it! I have never had to do my own tax return- nice, huh?

Do you get yours done in January or do you wait until the very last night to finish? Depends on if you are getting a refund or having to pay, right?

Happy April 15th!

Celebration in my house this weekend... and baseball, of course!

It escapes sometimes!

Way deep down inside me is a place where I keep it. It doesn't take up a huge amount of space. Thankfully, it rarely escapes, mainly because God's grace,forgiveness, and peace! But every so rare often it rises up and screams from within me with a deep soulful groan and tears. Since I have began blogging, I have wanted to express some of it, but it hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be. I tried to write a poem about it- I just sobbed. God knows it all and that is so good! He loves me and has totally forgotten my sin and replaced it with life.

All of a sudden this song appeared. It's called "In My Daughters Eyes". I have listened to the words of the song two times. Both time I balled like a baby! Have you heard the song? It's by Martina McBride. It is a beautiful song about a mother and her daughter. I don't have a daughter. I am at peace with not having a daughter, but I guess I will always have that part of my heart that longs for a daughter! The song wells up so much emotion inside of me and I am not really sure why.

It goes like this:

In my daughters eyes
I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I want to be
In my daughters eyes

In my daughters eyes
Everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me
Gives me strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughters eyes

When she wraps her hand around my finger
Oh, it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about
It's hanging on when your heart has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughters eyes

In my daughters eyes
I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
And though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you will see how happy she made me
I'll be there
In my daughters eyes

I think part of the reason this song stirs up so emotion in me is because I am a mother.
I just replace the daughter with son and the she with he!

I hope you enjoy the words to this song, but you have to hear the melody!

It is sooooo beautiful!

So, I guess everytime I hear this song it will escape!

All I can say is...... WOW!

I am going to start posting all my prayer requests! Y'all are impressive! Y'all are prayer warriors! And God has answered our prayer!

The sign went in the yard Monday. Friday we had our first lookers. Friday night we had a full price offer with a contingency to sell their house! WOW! I am in shock! And the man is a Methodist Minister! WOW, again!

So.... I guess we will wait and see if their house sells, but they really love our house! Wow, Wow, Wow!

We have to find somewhere to live!

God is Good!

Ta Daaaaa! After picture! ( Shhhh - don't tell anyone that the painter actually stained the door, but I put the shiny top coat on! ) Can you tell a difference? 

A new weight loss plan!

I haven't been around the blogosphere much lately (and I miss everyone). My life has been hectic to put it mildly. As you know I have been frantically getting my house ready to sell for the last couple months. Painting this, caulking that, planting flowers, refinishing doors (I will post a picture very soon of my new and improved door), repairing this, replacing that- you name it and I have done it. K has helped a little here and there when time away from tax season (only 11 more days-yea!!!) and the baseball field will allow.

Well, the sign went up yesterday. My house is clean and straightened! It looks pretty dang good (if I might say so myself)! I would buy this house again!!!! I have threatened the boys and given them strict "keeping the house clean" instructions. Their motivation: their own rooms in a new house!

Yes, we are building a new and improved home! We are all very excited! But with all the excitement comes a lot of decision making. By the way, have I told y'all that I am terrible at making decisions? My husband has a whole speech on that subject. The last couple of weeks have also been spent deciding floors, paint, brick, and electrical outlets for our new home and stay within a budget (no fun). My wonderful, fabulous, extremely talented, best friend and favorite decorator Kim flew here last week to help me! She is a decorating angel sent from heaven above! So...........things went wonderful and stress free! THANK YOU, KIM! YOU ARE THE BEST!

In the process of getting my house ready to sell and keeping it clean, I have lost about five pounds! If you want to lose weight, put your house on the market! It works for me!

If you could say a little prayer that our house will sell, I would greatly appreciate it!

Have a blessed day, everyone!!!!!

Our friend Ray, Me, and my husband Kevin after we ran the Capital 10,000 (10K) in Austin! We had a blast!!!!! 

My Favorites!

When I started my blog many months ago, I was a the new kid on the block. I have come a long way since then! I have come out of my shell and learned to express myself. Most importantly, I have made a lot of new blog friends!

Today I have finally updated my favorites list. I believe the majority of you read my blog from time to time and I yours! It's great knowing that I have friends like you out there- some old friends and some new! And a few old college buddies, as well! And there might even be some of you that are reading that I haven't met. If so, take a minute and introduce yourself!

I am glad to call you all friends!

He has Risen!
Happy Easter!

Too many decisions

I hope to get back into my blogging routine soon! Life has me busy making way too many decisions. I am not a good decision maker! Please pray for me! I need God's guidance and peace!

Have a blessed day!

Sprinkles will do! My husband brought me this gift after he read my post "Playing Hooky". Isn't he a sweety? 

I've got the Joy

"Joy is the echo of God's life within us."
Joseph Marmion

A short note before I am off to my very busy day!
Are you joyful this day? Joy is deep within us. Not happy. Not glad. Not just in a good mood. You could even be mad or unhappy, but you still have God's joy deep inside you that radiates from your face and sparkels through your eyes.

We used to sing a song when I was a child growing up at church:

I've got the joy,joy,joy,joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart.
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart to stay.
And I'm so happy, so very happy
I have the love of Jesus in my heart. Down in my heart!

Do you have the joy?

Playing Hooky

As I waited for Blogger to magically appear on my screen, I finished the whole bowl of my really healthy Wheat Chex and working on my second cup of Ghirardelli Chocolate Carmel coffee (dang-that is good coffee). Why is it so slow? Is it my stubborn computer or Blogger!!!!! I would rather be eating a Krispy Kreme donut with my coffee. Is there anyone out there that has never heard of Krispy Kreme donuts? Just curious. I was craving those warm, soft, melt in your mouth, sinful things all yesterday! What excuse can I come up with to buy donuts......hmmmmm... I wonder if they sell them with green icing today? That sounds good, doesn't it, Saija?

Yesterday I played hooky! You were wondering when I would get to that, huh? I didn't lift one finger or cross one chore off my "getting the house ready to sell list". L and I went to see "The Pacifer" with some friends and goofed off the rest of the day! Well, it is Spring Break! It was a cute movie with a surprise appearance from Lorelai Gilmore. At the end of the movie my friend looked at me and said, "Are you crying?" I cry at the end of every movie, don't you? And commercial, right? L wasn't surprised.

Well, I better get to work....... I had a dream last night that our house had two holes in the walls and mice were going in and out. We had two cats that were really hungry but didn't want the mice. And, to top it all off, Hugh Grant wanted to buy our house! Try translating that one!

Have a great St. Patricks Day...... eat a green iced donut for me today!

P.S. Happy 40th Birthday, Cheryl! Do you feel old?

P.S. (again) I guess my spell check is out too, who knew? So, sorry if there are any missppelled words! Ha!

Hello - Goodbye!

I was going to post a picture of my trash today. Sounds exciting doesn't it? But, I can't! I know you are dissapointed! My Hello has said goodbye along with my Internet Explorer and Outlook Express program. My friend Mike who is a computer genius tried everything in his power to fix it last night, but again my computer is being very stubborn! For those of you who don't know, Hello is the program that let's me post pictures on my blog. Thanks to Mike, I am able to blog today!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Halleeeeeee-lujah!

So, it was a picture of my overloaded trash can with the full bottle of V8 perched next to a very black banana! I did it, JettyBetty! And of course other various items surrounded it - a empty crunched up bag of Doritos, a packing slip from my recent Pampered Chef order, some junk mail, etc.... You can learn a lot about someone from their trash- more than you would want to know, right?

When you see a picture, you will know that my Hello is waving again!

Open Me, Please! 

100% Pure Vegetable Juice

I don't remember exactly when I bought this bottle of V8. It was probably somewhere around the beginning of 2004 - not really sure. I bought it because I was on a health kick at the time. I had decided that I was going to drink a little cup each day to get my recommended dosage of vitamin A,B,C,D & E and all of the rest! Well, as you can see the lid is still intact and no juice has been consumed! The date on the bottle reads May 13, 2004- I think I'm a little late! I guess another wasted item going in the trash along with the lonely banana.

Did you know that V8 has the juice of carrots, celery, beets, parsley, lettuce, watercress, and spinach? Oh! Parsley and lettuce?

What out dated items do you have in your pantry or refrigerator?

Just a simple hello!

Ah ha! Very cool! Go to today's Our Daily Bread daily devotional site! It corresponds with my last post Indescribable Blessing (part three)! And by the way, I absolutely love all your comments and the super special small acts of kindness that you have done! It's so cool to read them! I love it! Thanks everyone for sharing. I want to hear more - who else would like to share?

I am spending the day with my youngest son L. I am going to let him pick our afternoon activity! Anything he wants to do---- yikes ---- I will let you know what happens!

Goal for this morning: Get something accomplished!

Have a super duper blessed day!

Indescribable Blessings (part three)

I only post "Indescribable Blessings" when I truly well up inside with emotion (or when I am PMS-ing). You ladies understand, right?

This morning I received two phone calls before 9 am. Carol came over this morning while I was taking K to school to look at my door. She is my door stripping , sanding , staining coach! I asked her for advice on my sanding. She called me to tell me I am doing a great job and to instruct me on my next step.

My other friend, Karen, called to tell me that Barry Manilow was going to be on Ellen this morning. She and I both share a love for him. I talked about my infatuation with him in Oh, Barry.

Your emotions are probably stable as you read this, but for me it means a lot when friends thinks enough of me to do the little things that make my day! Both friends chose to take time out of their busy schedules to make these small gestures of friendship! What a blessing!

One more.....

Last night around midnight I couldn't sleep. We were out late watching L's baseball game. The whole evening was hectic - K had a track meet- driving here, driving there. We didn't get home until around 10 pm. When I finally laid down to sleep my teeth and mouth were throbbing because I had been clenching them all evening. I do this at times without realizing it! I know, it's weird and neurotic! My husband rolled over and gave me a neck and shoulder rub-at midnight - and I didn't even ask for it!

What a difference we can make to others by just doing the little things! A phone call, a coffee date, a special card, a smile and a hello, a sincere compliment, a neck rub. One day a friend of mine from Bible Study said to me, "You are just so cute!" That just made my day and I am still thinking about it!

Challenge for the day:

Do something small but special for someone today and tell us about it!

The "Before" Picture 

Peg The Proud Project Girl

Just call me Peg the Proud Project Girl. With sand dust attached to my contact lenses I show you a before picture of my front door.

My goal: Restore to original color

This is a new adventure for me - the world of stripping, sanding, and staining. I don't know what has come over me. Could it possibly be the many trips I have taken to Home Depot lately? It might be the sounds of power tools and sights of a new house being built across the street? The overflow of raging testosterone in my home has seeped into my blood? Actually, I believe the rush of competition to get my house on the market has taken me over. Suddenly there are seven houses for sale within a half mile of ours.

Stay tuned for a new and improved, fresh and revived, inviting and inspired, bright new front door and entry way!

S.L.O.B.

Would it be extremely rude of my to call my Sweet Lovable Original Boys - slobs? As I was vacuuming the living room today I came across several interesting signs of my children. (I need to hear shouts of awe and amazement from all of you because cleaning doesn't take place often in my home!) I found the following items on my floor and under my couch cushions: (More applause and celebration because I actually exerted the strength and energy to lift the cushions and vacuumed underneath- Come on - I have big couch cushions)

Small pieces of popcorn and uncooked kernels
paper clips that have been bent out of shape
dry cereal (looked like frosted flakes)
one dirty sock
fluorescent green air soft gun pellets
Dorito crumbs (I think- they were orangish)
a broken pencil lead
dried mud
a smudge of chocolate (I hope that's what it is......Only moms are known to touch a strange substance with their finger and lift it to our nose to smell it)
two balls
a baseball hat
one remote control (we have about five of them for one tv)

And that's just in the living room. I won't even go near their bedroom and bathroom! Yikes! (my favorite exclamation word)

Where did I go wrong? How did I fail? What happen to my sweet, lovable, original and clean boys? An oxymoron! Hey, this is becoming a very impressive post - I am actually using some big words!

Remember that game on Sesame Street - "One of these things is not like the other, One of these things just doesn't belong"? If you look at the list above, they all pretty much point to a boy except for one that doesn't quite belong. Can you figure out which one it is?
I will explain later!

What will be the fate of these three?

Every once in a while I get a whim to buy bananas at the market. I personally do not like eating bananas by themselves. I tend to get a gag reflex when eating them. Sorry to be so blunt, but it happens! I really enjoy bananas in bread, cake, fruit salad, frozen and covered in chocolate, etc. My reason for the purchase is strictly a nutritional one. I am buying them in hopes that one of my three guys will choose a nice yellow banana as their snack of choice. Now, even though L has all the characteristics of a monkey, he doesn't care for the primates food of choice. K and K have been know to enjoy one every once in awhile.

Here lies the problem. I buy the bananas and they perch beautifully on my cute little Pampered Chef Simple Additions stand fellowshipping with all the other fruit(see picture below). I buy them quite green in the beginning in hopes that they will last just a few extra days. Days go by, the apples are eaten, the oranges are peeled, and the bananas are neglected and ignored! Then one day you stroll by and notice the bananas are black not yellow. Off to the trash they go.... Such a waste!

I know, if I were Martha, there would be many uses for mushy bruised bananas- banana bread, freeze them for future use, banana cake with sour cream chocolate frosting (one of Oma's recipes), banana muffins, banana smoothie, and maybe even a banana face mask. Will the vicious cycle remain? Will the fate of these three bananas be buried in the plastic bag of doom? Or, will they be enjoyed and eaten like they should be?

As you can see in the pictures below I have written this friendly reminder on our kitchen message board.

What happens to the uneaten bananas in your house?

Friendly reminder 

The three bananas 

Share God's love this week!

Open your hearts to the love God instills.....
God loves you tenderly. What He gives
you is not to be kept under lock and key,
but to be shared.

Mother Teresa

Speaking of friends and being blessed.....God blessed me with these two when I moved here many years ago. I just realized I have a lot of blonde friends, and my husband is blonde - weird! We celebrated my friend Shana's birthday the other night. She is a spring chicken, not anywhere near turning 40! I love y'all! 

About Fifty or So Big Red Itchy Dots?

My mother must have hovered over my brother and I and shielded all germs, bacteria and any virus that floated our direction when we were children, because I don't remember being kept prisoner in our apartment on a regular basis. But, somehow neither my brother or I got Chicken Pox growing up. I went about my life, I even worked in a day care center when I was in highschool and babysat in college. I lived my early life escaping the varicella-zoster virus.

One Sunday morning I awoke, took a shower, and stood in front of my mirror to put on my face for the day. I noticed some blister like spots on my chest. I didn't think much about it. Later, I headed off to church to teach my precious first graders about Jesus. I was waiting for children to arrive when I read a memo from the children's minister. There was a outbreak of Chicken Pox in our church and it gave a detailed description of what to look for. It all started to sink in at that point. Oh No, that's what those spots are!!! I normally had a room full of children on Sunday, but that day only one boy arrived. I went home that day, shocked that I had chicken pox and I was nine months pregnant with my second child!

That whole two to three weeks of my life is somewhat of a blur. I remember calling my doctor. "About how many spots do you have, about fifty?", he asked. "Uh, I don't know, a lot, I haven't counted them." He went on to tell me there really wasn't any medication I could take, but as long as I didn't go into labor everything would be fine. "Okay, everything will be fine,", I reassured myself.

My husband and I had a nightly ritual during those agonizing days. The only comfort I had was to get in the shower and let the scorching water from the hand held shower head (what were those things called?) pulsate every inch of my body. It imitated the scratching I was forbidden to do. After the shower, my husband would patiently and lovingly assist me in applying pink Calamine lotion with a cotton ball on my red spots. I needed my husband's help to reach the spots under my huge pregnant stomach. I couldn't reach let alone see the lower portion of my body. A true testament of love, I must say! I was really, really huge!!!! One night, I wondered about how many spots did I have, fifty or so? My husband I together counted over 500 chicken pox on my body! On my face, my scalp, neck, chest, immensley oversized stomach, genital area, legs, and feet. Oh, I forgot, my arms and hands, too! They were freakin - everywhere!!!!!!

I think I have conveniently blotted out the sheer agony I experienced during those weeks. I missed my son's third birthday party. And, I will never forget the meals friends prepared and delivered to us during that time! It was heaven sent! All my pox scabbed nicely before it was time to give birth to my son. If I had received this lovely gift of red polka dots at the beginning of my pregnancy, L could have received major abnormalities or neurological damage. God took care of us with his perfect timing.

I had been checking my three year old's body continuously looking for signs of his special spots. On the day I was laying in the bed in the maternity ward of the hospital waiting for my unwanted C-section, I routinely lifted my son's shirt to examine his little tummy. Guess what I found? A few little blister like spots! Here we go again! We shipped K off to his grandma's for the next two weeks. It was a glorious day when K was scabbed up and ready to meet his brother for the first time. Thankfully, the chicken pox days in our family are over, I think. Knock on wood. L never got pox and has had the vaccine. I always wondered if he had already received some little red spots in my big tummy!

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"!

Oh, Superman!

I was awaken Wednesday morning about 5:30 am by a neighbors car alarm. Unfortunately it went off right in the middle of a seductive kiss from Superman. Oh, really bad timing!
Have you ever had a dream that you are kissing someone, but you really can't see there face clearly. I knew he was extremely hot , dark hair, and great lips, but it just wasn't clear. Oh, but what a great kiss- ooo-la-la! I tried to go back to sleep so I could start the dream where I left off. Well, I couldn't roll over and kiss my husband because he was in Dallas.

That morning I was watching Gilmore Girls on the Family Channel and a preview came on for Smallville. Oh, Clark Kent! That's who I was kissing in my dream! Whoa! What a cutie he is!

Well, I would never kiss anyone else besides my husband outside of the REM Cycle. You know, I can't really control what I dream about, right? But, the kiss did seem really familiar. It felt just like when I kiss my husband - ooo-la-la!

He is my only Superman!

FYI: In my Dream Dictionary book it says when you dream you are kissing someone you admire, whether that person is someone you see regularly or a celebrity you have never met indicates that you are seeking to develop in yourself some aspect of that person's nature. Or, a more passionate lover's kiss often represents a deepening phase in your relationship. Or, dreaming of a very emotionally charged kiss may also suggest that you need to work on being more open in your waking life to embraces and nurturing from your loved one. And another one says passionate kisses from strangers warn against the emotional hazards of brief, superficial relationships.

Very Interesting.........

A Special Prayer!

I have compiled five extremely large lists of chores that need to be done around my house before we put it on the market to sell. My plan of attack is to get some of the smaller items out of the way first. As I was weeding out my kitchen desk and drawers on Tuesday, I came across an old birthday card that a very special friend gave me last year. On the card is the most important to-do list I could ever have. It goes like this:

Lord, grant me the gift

of a generous heart

that embraces each person I see-

A heart reaching out in true kindness and caring

to share all the best that's in me.

Lord, grant me the gift

of a bright, happy spirit

that joyfully faces each day-

A spirit that's loving

and gently shines through

in my actions and each word I say.

Lord, grant me the gift

of a wonderful life

that fulfills what I'm sent here to do-

A life that is lived

in the richness and beauty

of serving and following you.

Emily Matthews

I think I will keep this one top priority!

I know that sometimes when I reach out in true kindness and friendship some people don't accept it. That's okay! I will be steadfast with God's help!

Each day is a new beginning!

You cannot control the length of your life, but you can control its breadth, depth, and height.

Today is a new day - make the most of it!

TGIM?

Busy weekend- this is what I feel like doing today!

Happy Weekend!

The non-writer in me just hasn't had much to say this week, or just too busy to say it! I have a lot of things on my mind and hopefully I will be able to form them into several posts next week.

I have been busy:

Healing my sore feet & legs and motivating myself for a 12 mile run in the morning.
Making a list of all the repairs my house needs before we put a "For Sale" sign in the yard.
Looking for a new home and neighborhood.
Being the great housekeeper that I am. (Ha!)
Keeping my children in line. (Ha!)
Taking care of my busy husband. (Tax Season has begun- I will explain later)
Starting my new Bible Study.
Organizing my busy weekend schedule........ I thought weekends were for resting!

Yada! Yada! Yada!

Hope you all have a blessed weekend!

My sinful pleasure!

What is your favorite candy?

Keegan and I together consumed a one pound bag of strawberry twizzlers in the last couple days. It really lasted quite awhile! When I buy Twizzlers, I put the stash in a cabinet above the oven and the microwave. It used to be a great hideout, but now Keegan can reach it, too! I usually keep chocolate up there, but Twizzlers are a low fat candy! Ha- not in my house! Eating the entire bag defeats the purpose, right?

So, tell me about your weakness?

Indescribable Blessings ( Part two of many)

I am here in my extremely quiet house this morning. There is no school today but both of my boys spent the night with friends last night. My husband left the house about 7:30 am. I snuggled under my white down comforter thinking I don't have to get up, I can lay her all morning! I got up! No songs running through my head this morning, just lots of blessings:

God is working like crazy at our church! I am so deeply touched to see His Hand at work there!

I bumped into someone from my college days yesterday. My Minister of Music from the church I attended in college was visiting my church last night for a concert! It was so good to see him! Great memories of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.........

April and I ran almost ten miles on Saturday! Our training is going well. We have four weeks until our half marathon....I think we will be ready........I know we will be ready!

I teach 4th and 5th grade girls every Sunday morning at church! I am unable to express to you how much it blesses my heart to spend that one hour with them each Sunday. They teach me!

I am back in the pool. It felt really good...swimming is very therapeutic! I am gearing up for triathlon training in April. It is exciting....

Spent a great night with my guys Saturday night! Chuys and Napoleon Dynamite- Our favorite restaurant and a goofy movie (recommendations from Real Live Preacher and television clips the boys have seen)

God is Good!

"The Lord your God...will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

Come on Everybody! It's a Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Day!

"Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay! My, oh, my what a wonderful day! Plenty of sunshine heading my way! Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee day!

I woke up this morning with this song playing in my head. I don't know where it came from, it just appeared from nowhere! Took the trash out to the curb - "hey Mr. Bluebird on my shoulder" - walking back to my car at Logan's school -"hey, Mr. Bluebird" - made another cup of coffee -"it's the truth, it's actual, and everything is satisfactual" - sat down to read all of your blogs -"Come on everybody, it's a zip-a-doo-dah-day"!

Maybe it's because the weekend is here! Maybe it's because my husband gets home today (he has been out of town all week)! Maybe it's because I am going to lunch with a good friend! Because The Son is shining!

It is going to be a great day! Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah!

Now, I won't be the only one singing this annoying song all day! Ha!

Who am I?

I awoke this morning like every other day thinking let me lay here for five more minutes. Dedicating my day to the Lord as I snuggled under the covers. The same routine; wake up Logan, feed and let Kasey out, start the coffee, fill the lunch box, pour the juice, wash my face, throw on some mismatched clothes and a hat and out the door we go to school. Everyday we drive listening to K-Love. Every morning Logan listens to me sing the songs on the way.
Bless his heart!

This morning "Who am I" by Casting Crowns was playing. I have heard it a million times, but this morning was different. I listened to God speaking to me through the song.

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth

Would care to know my name

Would care to feel my hurt

Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star

Would choose to light the way

For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am

But because of what You've done

Not because of what I've done

But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading

Here today and gone tomorrow

A wave tossed in the ocean

A vapor in the wind

Still you hear me when I'm calling

Lord, You catch me when I'm falling

And You've told me who I am

I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin

Would look on me with love and watch me rise again

Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea

Would call out through the rain

And calm the storm in me

I am Yours

Whom shall I fear

Whom shall I fear

'Cause I am Yours

I am Yours

You see, I have such a wandering heart........
I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow........
I feel like a wave tossed in the ocean at times and a vapor in the wind.

But, He is always there for me, constant and never ending, faithful and true, and always forgiving!

I Praise You, Lord!

I am Yours!

Cute, aren't they? 

....Just a Brighton girl......

It should be on my blog description... I am a Brighton girl! Some of you know exactly what I mean, and others don't have a clue. If you are a man, you might know this because you are married to a Brighton girl. If you are a woman, you might know because you are addicted as well, or you have a friend who is. Other alias's are "Brighton addict", a "Brightonite", or a "Brightonholic".

I am referring to Brighton. I could spend hours in that store and have on some occasions. One time my husband purchased a gift certificate for me to buy a new Brighton purse. It is like sending a child into a candy store, a dog into Petsmart, or some men into Home Depot - very dangerous and time consuming.

You see, I have problems making decisions. My husband has been frustrated with me many times because I can't decide what to order in a restaurant or the drive thru. The first time it happened at "der Weinerschnitzel". Yes, I swear it used to have the "der" before "Weinerschnitzel"- "it is the world's largest hotdog chain". When my house flooded I cried because I was so overwhelmed about picking out the right color tile. If we ever decide to build a house, oh man! Anyway, you get the idea.

So, I need you to help me make a decision. When you buy a Brighton watch, earrings, bracelet, sunglasses, necklace, etc... they put it in a cute little decorative tin. Most of them have been gifts from my husband. I have kept them all! I don't know what to do with them. I have kept them all in my sock drawer, but after this Christmas, I just don't have room anymore. I can't throw them away, they are too cute!

Does anyone have any really cute, creative idea? I really want to hear from all of you talented bloggers out there.........let's hear it....... what should I do with all my Brighton tins?

My shiny new tea pot! 

CAUTION..... Blogging can be dangerous to your health!

I can see the headline: "Woman's house burns down while she was blogging"

You see, since I have started a frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links, I have burned three saucepans on my stove. Yes, three! I have only once in my entire 39 and three fourth years of existence burned a pan on my stove, at least I only remember one time. Hey, I am almost forty. We are talking burning the pan, not the contents of the pan!

In the winter, I frequently enjoy a nice cup of hot tea. Orange Spice is my desire. I sip it slowly with a smidgen of milk. I like my tea really hot therefore I boil the water on the stove in a saucepan. "Why don't you use the microwave?", my friend Michelle asked me the other day. I like it scorching hot! The hot that lasts for more than three or four sips. The microwave just doesn't do the trick. Three time, yes three, I forgot about the water and it boiled into gaseous vapors and roasted two Revere Ware saucepans that were a wedding gift and one Pampered Chef Generation II saucepan! Hello to all of the Pampered Chef junkies out there!

I bumped into Michelle at the Wal-Mart down the street where I was searching for a alternative to barbecuing my dwelling place. I bought a tea pot! I am sure the inventor had similar problems. What a great invention!

My new stainless steel tea pot is quite shiny, isn't it?

Would you like to sit a spell and sip a nice hot cup of tea with me?
(That's about the extent of any poetry you will read on my blog)

Happy Birthday, Kim!

Happy Birthday, Kim!

It all began in the hallway of Belmar Elementary School around 1975. A cute, petite, blonde haired girl walked up to me. I didn't know her name at the time, just recognized her from passing her in the school halls. I don't recall her exact words, but it went something like this:

"Your necklace is so cute!"

Very simple words, one sentence was all it took for me to know this girl had a big heart and a sweet spirit. Those few words were the beginning of a special friendship that has lasted for three decades. I know that it will continue until we are old and gray, or should I say older and grayer.

Very few people, including Kim, know just about every detail about my life- the good, the bad, and the really ugly stuff! She loves me unconditionally. I reciprocate. We have been together through highschool graduation, boyfriends, our weddings, childbirth, and everything in between.
I know she will be a true friend until the very end! I can picture us together when our children get married and have their own babies. And then someday we will be discussing dentures and hearing aides!

Something's I remember about Kim: Coasting to the stop lights to save on gas, eating instant soup on the ski slopes together, talking in an English accent, taking a shower together (hey, get your mind out of the gutter), being late to the church bus in Mexico with Elaine, church camp skits, a lot of laughter, lots of ski trips, and listening to Teweesa, Teweesa, Tweweweweesa in a tent at Camp Don Harrington, many dingy moments, and many, many more memories! I don't remember us ever having any fights!

Well, my dear friend is turning 40 today! She is officially OVER THE HILL! I will be younger than her for the rest of my life! Sorry, Kim! Enjoy your teeth and your hearing while you can!

When I looked back to find some really embarrassing pictures of Kim, all her pictures were beautiful, and mine were embarrassing! Here is the best one I could find!

I love you, Kim! Thanks for being my friend!

Happy Birthday!

No Comment!

Does your spouse's or significant others read your blog? My husband is a very successful, important business man! He has great responsibilities at his job. He goes to work everyday without complaint looking quite handsome in his suit and tie. Everyday he kisses me goodbye. Everyday he calls me on his way home. And now everyday he faithfully reads my blog! What more could a girl ask for? Maybe, a comment or two daily. Is that too much to ask?

I started my blog really expected no one to read it. Then I ventured out there to make some new blogging buddies. I really enjoy that! I am a very social person. On a scale from 1 - 10, I would consider myself a 7 or 8 when it comes to needing social contact on a daily basis. I revel in the silence of my home after the boys leave for school, but it lasts about one hour. I need communication and contact with other humans. So, now that my blog is established, I want comments! I need comments.

Okay, I know. I read many blogs out there and some days I don't feel the urge to comment. Some days I will feel a connection from some and other days I don't, so I won't comment. There are others that I have no connection with whatsoever. Do you feel the same? So, I have noticed many of you put a series of questions on your blog to get audience participation, but mine are more of a survey about my blog. Now, please answer based on important information: Remember, I am not a writer.. just a girl.... (ha ha, Kevin) and I am a fairly new blogger so be gentle.... so here goes.... and if you want to respond anonymously you may!

How do you feel about my blog?

a. boring b. duh, your not a writer c. it's okay d. very simple, but pleasant e. very refreshing and inspiring f. other____________________________

How could I improve my blog?

a. delete it b. learn how to write poetry c. quit talking about your precious husband and children d. learns some big words e. don't change, I love you just the way your are! f. other ____________________

Why do you read and make no comments?

a. I have a life and don't have time b. I don't want you to know that I am reading it- I'm shy! c. because I have nothing to say d.You leave me speechless
e. I don't know how to leave a comment (put your cursor on the word "comment" at the bottom of the post and click your mouse, then fill in the information) f. other ________________________

How can I get your attention?

a. talk about politics b. post some great recipes c. dance on your blog naked d. tell us all your deep dark personal secrets e. give us a daily Gilmore Girl review
f. other___________________

Just in case you have trouble with this test, my son told me that if you don't know the answer on a multiple choice test to circle "c".

Hope to hear from all of you soon! Especially you, babe! Thanks for reading!

Have a Blessed weekend!

Work in progress....

Well, I finally added my favorite blogs, but now I have to figure out how to move it over. Whew....It is a miracle that I got this done! Thank you, Saija! I couldn't have gotten this far without your help! Anyone have any advice for me?

Count Your Blessings!

As I was reading the long list of blogs I have accumulated as my favorites, I thought about my blog's name: "Blessed Beyond Belief". I have very few days lately that I feel less than that. But, how will I react when something "bad" happens. When things aren't going the way I want them to. When life really stinks! When a tragedy takes place for me or someone I love.

Several years ago a friend of mine lost her three sons and husband in a boating accident. That was incomprehensible to me! I was mad at God! I couldn't even image how she was feeling. How could He allow that to happen to her? I wrestled with it for many years. I was fearful that something tragic could happen to me, too. How would I survive if I lost my loved ones. I wouldn't go on anymore. I wouldn't want to live!

I have been very upset with God with all the lives lost in Asia and Africa. "I don't understand, God!" "Why would you allow so many to perish?" "I know you have a reason that we can't comprehend, and we don't have to know why, we just have to continue to have faith in You" So, God and I have been in great discussion over this subject for many years.

He has taught me many things through the years. I know that God is with me all the time! I know that God loves me more than I will ever understand! I know God's grace is sufficient for me! He will furnish me with His great power whenever I need it! When my grandmother and mother-n-law passed away years ago, God supplied me with a supernatural strength and peace. When our whole house flooded awhile back, God gave me humor and patients to deal with it. When I am fearful about life, I remember this verse:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Well, I started this post today because when I was reading "Our Daily Bread". It talks about undeserved blessings and at the end states the words to the song "Count Your Blessings". Such a simple song that most of us probably have memorized, brings so much healing to me when life is uneasy. Sing it with me:

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessing, every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

Count your blessings, name them one by one

Count your blessings. see what God has done

Count your blessings,name them one by one

Count your many blessing,see what God has done!

I am laughing, picturing all of you singing at your computer!

I hope it brings a smile to your face as well!

My guys on top of the beautiful Santa Fe moutains! I love my new digital camera! 

Happy New Year!

Okay, so I am a little late..... Three days ,13 hours and 52 minutes late. Don't check me on that, I couldn't even remember what day it was when I started. Luckily it is at the bottom of my screen. I received a comment from Saija wondering where I have been. It's nice to know that someone out there misses me! Thanks Saija!!! I have been thinking about blogging for the last two weeks but just couldn't find one spare moment! The dilemma is that once I sit down at the computer about one hour magically disappears. I just haven't even had one hour to spare.

Why, you ask?

Well, since you asked.... This is what I have been doing.......

Have you ever traveled through Texas? It is so incredibly varied in scenery. I am centrally located here in this great state, which is the best place to be. My favorite drive from here is south. The trees get bigger surrounded by all kinds of bodies of water. The scenery is breathtaking and the air is warm and still and eventually you run into the beach which is my absolute favorite place to be. (Sorry, no time to check my punctuation on that sentence)

Well, we drove the other direction - north for about 8 hours! The drive somehow seems to get easier every year thanks to a portable dvd player and game cube. The scenery was nice and white, but very flat, treeless, and extremely cold!!! Brrrrrrrrrr!

Then after we celebrated a wonderful white Christmas with my family we drove many more hours west to Santa Fe, New Mexico. If you haven't been there you need to - it is a really cool place! Santa Fe has become a very familiar place to us because we travel there at least every two years to ski for a few days. My mother is an expert New Mexico tourist, so I will get you in touch with her if you head that way! Not my favorite place to ski, but very convenient especially when I procrastinate and wait a week before to make reservations. I usually see someone I know every time we visit - not this year! I found out later one of my Bunko buddies was there the day before!

Traveling north is worth the drive, even though it is insanely boring! We always have such a great visit with my family and we always visit some of our very best friends - Kim and Clark! I have always been a stickler about keeping up with all my old friends, but it is even more important to me now. I guess because of my old age of (almost) 40! It just seems even more important now. It must be really important for me to write that sentence two times, huh? I never have time to visit all of my friends, but I wish I did! I am currently working on a post about Kim..... Stay tuned!

We finally got home Sunday night; unloaded the Odyssey, checked the mail, turned the toilets back on (long story), emptied the sour milk out of the fridge, and started laundry. Keegan had to wear his UT Rose Bowl shirt to school the next day! You know why if you watched the game!

Waking my boys up bright and early on Monday morning was a chore. Instead of lounging around the house drinking coffee and blogging, I had responsibilities to take care of at my church, which took me into last night. Anyway.... I still have the lights on the house, ornaments, ribbon, lights, lots of snowmen, and several baby Jesus' laying everywhere.... And I haven't even plugged my new digital camera into the computer so I can show you pictures of me and my guys on the slopes.

So........ Here I am.... My magical hour is ticking by...... I have to go back to my precious laundry and cluttered house!

New Years Resolution: No more cleaning, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, and running errands! More running, shopping, eating out, blogging, taking pictures, and hanging out with my guys!

Bye... My time is up!

Question:
What is the point of the dryer buzzer? It drives me nuts and It doesn't motivate me to get up and get the clothes out! Luckily I can turn mine off! Thank goodness!

P.S. When is "blog" going to be on spell check?