Weekend in Review

My Friday night was looking to be full of excitement.  

However my date with laundry left me high and dry and I was asleep in the recliner by 830! Poor clothes didn't stand a chance, and they were good little things (ha my stuff isn't so little) and stayed in the S-I-X (yes you read that right) loads they were sorted into.

Saturday was spent waiting at the local hair place for $10 haircuts.  Goose and I arrived at 930 and were not in the chair until 1150!!  But we are back to our super cute selves and ready for any impromptu picture taking I decide to partake in.  I was so proud of how the clothes were interacting with each other so I left them hanging out a little while longer.  There is no need to interrupt such a beautiful site is there??

And that brings us to today - Ducky & I hung out at home since she has a nice little cold while the hubs and Goose went to Church.  I took advantage of the semi-quiet house and made a meatloaf for lunch.  While I was in the basement getting the needed supplies for lunch I did peek in on the clothes, yep still hanging around.  I guess it was wishful thinking that they would be good little guest and clean up after themselves. 

Ducky is down for a nap and Goose is being a princess. Life is good.  I hope everyone is having a blessed Sunday.

xo MJ

Faithful Friday

Then hear from heaven where you live, and forgive. Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart.  2 Chronicles 6:30, NLT

Have you ever felt far from God, separated by feeling of failure and personal problems? In his prayer, Solomon underscored the fact that God stands ready to hear his people, to forgive their sins, and to restore their relationship with him.

God is waiting and listening for our confessions of guilt and our recommittment to obey him. He hears us when we pour out our needs and problems to him and is ready to forgive and restore us to fellowship with him. Don't wait to experience his loving forgiveness.

Excuse me for a Minute

While I do this

There needs to me a WHOLE lot more education on carseat saftey out there.  What would possess someone to strap their children into a carseat, then not make sure that the carseat itself is buckled in to the vehicle???  I can come with several scenarios:  the carseats have to be moved from vehicle to vehicle and it was forgotten or just not buckled.  Pure laziness.  Lack of education.

Thank goodness the good Lord was watching over me and several other people this morning.  Due to road conditions, there was a accident where an older pick-up was T-boned by a car.  The occupants of the truck were a young mother and her 2 young children (ages 1 & 2).  After assessing to make sure everyone was okay I tried to calm the children.  As I was talking to them I noticed that the carseats were really loose - wait they weren't even strapped in!!!  THANK YOU LORD for watching over these children and not throwing them thru the windshield.

OHIO Laws:
* Infants (UP to a year old AND 20 pounds: should be REAR facing.  If you can extend that time, it is strongly encouraged.
* Children from 1 year (& 20 pounds) to 4 AND 40 pounds: FORWARD facing
* Children  4 yo (& 40 lbs) UNTIL 8 yo (& 4 ft 9 in) should be in a BOOSTER seat

PLEASE check your state's child restraint laws out here or here.

If you call, most local Police Departments & some Fire Stations will do a FREE child restraint check to make sure yours is properly installed.

PLEASE check your child's carseat EVERY time you put them in to make sure it is properly fastened. There should be very little wiggle when you push & pull the seat. I strongly encourage that when installing the seat, climb in your vehicle, place your knee into the carseat, pushing it into the vehicle seat, then secure the saftey belts. This ensures a nice, snug fit.

Your children will thank you for your love and concern.

There once was - oh look there's a cat

My mind is going in 100 different ways -

if I was to write everything down I'm sure my desk would look like this

So welcome to my random tidbits

who knows what will come out because

I am just going to add to the list as I think of it

*  Goose had top sales for her Daisy Group - not bad considering I didn't really try

*  Improvement has been noted in Goose's behavior at school.  Instead of outbursts every day, we are down to 2 times a week

*  The two week wait for unemployment SUCKS - we have bills that need to be paid people

*  I am tired of whiney co-workers - get over yourselves.  Be happy you have a job, it could be a lot worse.  AND do you think I ask to be in on this or that meeting - because if you do, you are sorely mistaken!!!!!

*  While on that subject, I AM NOT the favorite.  Just because I go out of my way and make contact with the supervisor and manager does not mean they like me more.  They just know that I will get things done and appreciate the rapport I have built up with them and the offices

*  I hope that the Nurse Practitioner they are looking to hire comes SOON - I might get to move my office out of the department.  (yep, I'm being anti-social)

* I have lost my GC to Starbucks and I am soooo mad at myself.  It still had $20 on it (I started where I give myself $25 a month for SB)

*  I would *heart* finding a weekend only job so that I could stay home through out the week in order to do things with Goose at school.  But I also know that I would hate it at the same time.  I like being able to get out of the house.

*  While on the the get over yourself kick - there are other people in my life that need to do the same.  The world does not revolve around you.

*  Work is basically giving me permission to overeat today.  They are taking the total amount made in the Cafe, matching it, and then donating it for Haiti Relief!!!!!!

I'm sure I could go on, but goodness knows I don't need my blog to look like that desk.  That and I really should get some work done.  I have my own stats, plus the ones my supervisisor delegated me to do.  And catching up from leaving early plus an hour long meeting yesterday.  (see I can't even complete a thought!!)

Love to all

Weekly Wisdom - Doubt

The more you doubt, the more you'll have to live without.


Complaining is one of the worst traps that many Christians fall into. A complainer thinks, "I can't stand my boss. If she would only treat me better, I'd be happy. I hate this traffic. Why can the government improve traffic flow with all the tax money I pay?" This is a deceptive trap because it leads one to believe that life would be better if something would be different. However, it is far more productive for to believe that God can change the situation than to doubt him.

This trap of complaining is the same trap that the Israelites fell into. They were not satisfied with what God had given them and they continually wanted more. Psalm 106:12-15 is a great example of what happens to people who are unthankful and always want more: Then they [Israel] believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel. In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wasteland they put God to the test. So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease upon them.

That passage refers the Israelites' persistent request for food, water, and other basic resources. They didn't trust God; they doubted his ability to provide and tested him. So, because of their doubt, God sent a wasting disease upon them. Furthermore, for forty years God withheld the promised land from them. Their doubt caused them to live without.

I've been Bitten

Thanks to the girls at work I picked up a book I swore never to touch.

I had NO interest in the darn thing.

Seriously, there was no desire at all.

DARN THEM ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was in TJMaxx today doing some retail therapy  (hey I found a Levi winter jacket for Goose for $10!!!  one tag said norm sells for $50, the other said MSRP $100)

What should appear in the checkout line but a

HUGE display of said dreaded books. 

I walked by shaking my head

As I was waiting for the next available register my hand had a mind of it's own

Some how THIS

ended up in my loot!!!

Three hours later and I am half done with it

DARN THEM

Now, who has a copy of New Moon I can borrow??

I'll have it back to you in a day or so

940pm - I am almost done with it .... poor girls were neglected tonight - well no, not really, the housework was though!
740am - after an hour long fun chat with the 5th Sister last night I finished the book at 1135pm.  Now I am itching to get my hands on New Moon

Faithful Friday

I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.  Psalm 6:6, NLT

Pouring out his heart with tears, David was completely honest with God. We can be honest with God even when we are filled with anger or despair because God knows us thoroughly and wants the very best for us. Anger may result in rash outward acts or turning inward toward depression. But because we trust in our all-powerful God, we don't have to be victims of circumstance or be weighted down by the guilt of sin.


Be honest with God, and he will help you turn your attention from yourself to him and his mercy.

Little Bo Peep

 Little Bo peep has lost her sheep

And doesn't know where to find them.

Leave them alone and they'll come home,

Bringing their tails behind them.

Well in this case,
the Queen has lost her entourage

lonely she is
 so she sent out a search party

I am sure they have tried to come home,

but the Queen has moved

No need to tuck your tails,

just head over there!

PS - If you do not already follow Lee, you must RUN over there now, and be sure to let her know MJ sent you :o)

Ready or Not Here I Come

HeatherLynn of Random Thoughts of a Restless Mind tagged me and I'm always up for answering some questions :o)

The 'rules' with this award/game is to answer the following questions, and add one more question to the roll before tagging others.  

I, MJ, am calling it a game, because I am boycotting awards.  I think there is too much stigma attached to awards.  We all are AWESOME in our own way and I don't want to contribute to the popularity contest!

What a wonderful way to learn more about your favorite followers?
 
  
1. What is your current obsession?
making sure everyone's hands are washed


2. What are you wearing today?
oh so fashionable scrubs - navy pants and a butterfly/paisley patterned shirt


3. What’s for dinner?
Steak, fries, corn

4. What’s the last thing you bought?
Haircolor & facial cream - OH wait, I just purchased Jake Owen tickets

5. What are you listening to right now?
Katy Perry - Waking Up in Vegas

6. What do you think about the person who tagged you?
That she has alot more potiential than she gives herself credit for.  A lover, giver, passionate - all around wonderful person

7. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
Anywhere that the temp stays in the 60/70's

8. What are your must-have pieces for summer?
Flip-Flops, t-shirts, & capris

9. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
A beach - ALONE

10. Which language do you want to learn?
either French or German


11. What’s your favorite quote?
"Who are you to judge the life I live?  I know I'm not perfect -and I don't live to be-  but before you start pointing fingers make sure you hands are clean!"   Bob Marley

12. Who do you want to meet right now?
hmm, whomever would like to meet me


13. What is your favorite color?
Purple, blue-green, blue, green

14. Give us 3 styling tips that work for you.
* bobbypins are a must have
* less is more (glitz, make-up, hair product)
* you don't really want to be taking style tips from me

15. What is your dream job?
one where I can help others that are less fortunate

16. What’s your favorite magazine?
which ever one I pick up in the lobby that isn't a year old

17. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
Goose's birthday party that she wants so bad

18. What do you consider a fashion faux pas?
underwear sticking out of pants, muffin tops (there is no need ppl, they make pants in a whole range of sizes)

19. Who according to you is the most over-rated style icon?
don't really pay attn, but the one person that stands out that I can not stand in Lady Gaga

20. What kind of haircut do you prefer?
chin to shoulder length bob with a wedge

21. What are you going to do after this?
lunch then work some more

22. What are your favorite movies?
Patch Adams, Hope Floats - those are the 2 that jump out at me

23. What inspires you?
As I drive into work and watch the sun rise I sit and reflect in awe that I am given the opportunity to start each day anew.  My girls pure wonder at the world around them
 
24. What do your friends call you most commonly?
Mary or MJ


25. Would you prefer coffee or tea?
Depends on the time of day.  Coffee in the AM for sure


26. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?
Write, Cry, walk (prefer in a woods)

27. What makes you go wild?
hahahaha - very select few know that and that is how it is going to stay

28. Which other blogs do you love visiting?
each and every one I do ;o)

29. Favorite Dessert/Sweet?
tough call - I would have to say Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

30. How many tabs are turned on in your browser right now?
just this one


31. Favorite Season?
Late Spring and Early Fall


32. If I come to your house now, what would u cook for me?
BBQ Ribs or Lasagna

33. What is the right way to avoid people who purposefully hurt you?
I am still trying to figure this one out.  But I like Heather's answer: don't give them an in. Don't play into their hands....let their drama, be THEIR drama. it's hard to fight with someone who won't engage in the fight.

34. What are you afraid of the most?
hurting others, being a failure


35. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
goodness gracious I'm getting old

36. What brings a smile on your face instantly?
the girls giggles


37. A word that you say a lot?
hello, please, thank you


38. What would you do if you were made President for one day?
hightail it out of there.  I do not want that job at all


39. What is that one thing that keeps you going?
Knowing that I have been blessed with such amazing people in my life

40. What word drives you crazy when you hear it?
retard - I will not get on my soap box


41. Angelina Jolie....did you like her better as a sinner, or her now as a saint?
Sinner - I think she was more genuine to herself

42.  What one word would you or a friend use to describe you to someone who has never seen you?
Passionate


Rules for those who are tagged: Respond and rework – answer these questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own, and add one more question to the list. Then tag some more and learn a little bit about your followers.

I would like to offer this up to anyone who would like to take on the challenge.  I would *heart* to know more about each and every one of you.  If you choose to do it, just let me know in the comments that way I can be sure to check out your answers (you have to understand, my head is like swiss cheese, and I am sometimes a bad blogger and do not get to go to everyones sites every.single.day.)

Love to all
MJ

the secret of the gummiberry juice

As I sit here munching on my Cinnamon Bears (oh so yummy) I am reminded of Gummy Bears.  And what should pop in my head but the ever popular 80's cartoon - the Gummi Bears

Ah fond memories.

I remember the anticipation of Saturday morning cartoons.  I could not wait for the day to come and would always wake up super early so I wouldn't miss a moment. 

Fast forward to today & I am left sitting here pondering where the magic of cartoons has disappeared to.  Could the 24/7 access to cartoons have created a "meh, I don't care" attitude?  Also, is it just me or does it seem like there is no real "plot" behind several of the new cartoons?  Of course, as I reflect on the cartoons I watched, I am sure my parents felt the same.  I can just imagine them going "Oh Lord, not this again"

What was your favorite cartoon growing up?

mine: (I couldn't just choose one, in no particular order) 

MJ

Weekly Wisdom - Forgiveness

When you forgive, the debt doesn't just go away. You absorb the debt. That's why forgiveness is so hard.


Say you lend a person one thousand dollars, but suppose that when the time comes for the loan to be repaid that person is unable to repay you. If you forgive that person of his debt, then that person no longer owes you anything. By forgiving, you forfeited the money—you absorbed the debt.

How is it that God is able to forgive our sins against him? He absorbed them by sending his son to suffer the penalty for our debts (sins). Christ absorbed the penalty of death so that we don't have to. When God forgave us, he said, "There's no need to repay me." (We couldn't repay God even if we tried, but now we're freed from the burden of trying.)

When you forgive someone, you absorb their debt. That's why forgiveness is so hard.

In Luke 7, Jesus tells this parable to Simon: "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

Forgiveness is a sign of love. To forgive someone of a massive debt (in this case, five hundred denarii) is a sign of massive love. How is forgiveness a sign of love? Because if you forgive much, then you must absorb much debt (pain, suffering, loss, etc.). Our sin against God is the biggest possible debt we could have; so for God to absorb that is a sign of his endless, measureless love.

When He forgave us, God didn't just ignore our debt; he absorbed our debt.

just a reminder that I use a daily devotional and my Uncle as a starting point on my weekly wisdoms.  I wish I was that blessed to compile such resounding and poignant words on my own.

***********

Sunday Hodge-Podge

First Up is: Sunday Stealing: The Trivia About Me Meme

Opening…

Do you get regular massages?  I did when I was pregnant (for both girls) now I average once a year!

Do you have an answering machine?  yeah me!

What cuss word do you use the most?  bullshine

Are you underweight or overweight?  don't you know it's not polite to ask a woman anything about her weight

Can you see your veins?  just on the underside of my arm


Favorite…

Soap? 

Fruit?  Strawberries or Blueberries

Kind of red meat?  a medium well steak (mmmm, I think I may have to bust out the grill)

Fish? Tilapia (well anything not fried)

Candy bar?  Reese Peanut Butter Cup or Mr Goodbar



Have You Ever…

Eaten a whole bag of potato chips?  umm, the snack size yeah - who couldn't

Eaten lobster?  LOVE IT!!  Is anyone heading to Maine soon and want to pick me up a fresh one ... mmmm

Climbed a mountain?  not a mountain, but ancient Mayan Ruins in Mexico

Been skydiving? nope, but I would love to

Been water skiing?  tubing - not the same thing is it?



Do You…

Wish you could change something about your life?  nope, what's the point in that.  Everything happens for a reason

Like your nose?  it's okay.  my nostrils are not even (I guess that will happen when they create one for you due to having a cleft lip)

Like salt and vinegar chips?  GAG, spit, sputter - NO

Eat salsa?  All the time!!!  It is my favorite go to snack

Own a boat?  nope, but have plenty of friends and family who do


What Is…

A small thing that people let slide but that actually has dire consequences?  paying bills on time

Your most macho trait?  the facial hair??

The longest relationship you’ve ever had?  the one I am in now - 12 years together, Married 7

Your most embarrassing thoughts?  you think I am going to spill that here?!?  Dream on

Your most shameful moment?  my mental breakdown



This/That…

Bath/Shower?  shower

Markers/Crayons?  crayons

Pens/Pencils?  tie?  Depends on the task at hand

Jelly/Cream Cheese?  Jelly

Bagel/Toast?  Toast



Finish…

My greatest weakness is…  loving too easily

I wish I was… a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller (ok everyone start singing along)

Three things I wouldn’t do for a million dollars are… steal, kill, strip

The oddest thing I’ve ever put in my mouth is…  a goat turd (darn brothers)


Firsts…

Credit card you had?  I got a VISA when I was 17 and I still have it!!!

Loan you got was for?  a car

Paycheck was for how much?  oh goodness gracious  I am suppose to remember that

Time you had stitches?  as a baby for cleft lip

Time you went to the hospital for something? see above



Lasts…

List everything you ate in the last 24 hours?  Gen Tso's, white rice, egg roll.  1 blueberry pancake.  Chicken Lo Mein and white rice  (had leftovers from yesterday!)

Last thing you used a credit card for?  curtains

What was your job previous to the one you have now?  within the hospital, OB clerk.  Before that, I worked in a group home for juvenile delinq.

Last thing you celebrated?  the hubs b-day

Last time you were at a sports bar?  AGES.  I am ready to go "back home" and get some Fricken Chicken Chunks

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

Yesterday was a nice relaxing day, after we repaired the dishwasher.

Ducky is going to be Miss Fix-it I think!  And as you can see, the surgery on Monday didn't slow the hubs down any either.  He is so glad he had it done, no more arm falling asleep, but hates having to keep it wrapped.  I can't count the number of times he has taken it off to just put it right back on.

Goose went with some of the hubs family to be fitted for a flower girl dress.  I hate to say it, but this girl is a Bridezilla.  She is demanding I let Goose's hair grow (umm no) and that she can NOT have any tan lines (tough toenails there sister, she's 6).  She is not happy because Goose is built like her momma and g-ma - on the chunky side with SHORT legs (that is g-ma's contribution) and the dress doesn't fit properly.  So they are going with a different style for her (I guess one similar to the Jr Bridesmaid but in pink).  I can not wait for June 26th to come so that this will be over.

I am sure there is more I wanted to share, but it has plumb left my mind for now.  So I will bid you farewell and wish you a happy, peaceful Sunday!

XO

MJ

OK Go

I do not know why, but I *heart* this video.  Maybe it is because deep down I *heart* band geeks.  My favorite memory of college was attending a performance/recital of a friend.  Man that guy could play a mean trumpet & it was like you could feel the music.  One of the guys I dated was a drum major - oh my - let the drool begin.   mmmmm memories  Of course the message of this song is wonderful too ... This Too Shall Pass



Thanks for putting up with my lame posts the last couple days.  I am still debating on what my next step will be for my bloggy life.

XO
MJ

Where is the Love??

says it all right now ....

OOPS

I did it again. 

I took the last post down because once again someone thought what I was posting was about them or a situation that would involve them *ggrrrr* and this is why I hate having IRL people who were involved in my breakdown reading my posts.

The secret was not going to be posted public because I didn't want to be jinixed.  It's nothing big, just some answered prayers.

NO I am not pregnant .... I can't / shouldn't become so after having an Endometrial Ablation back in July.

Have a good weekend all

MJ

****
Reminded of a blog I posted on Myspace right before I deleted my account:
May 20, 2009 - Wednesday


a vent - do not read if you will take offense

I need to get this off my chest. The past year has been so drama filled I felt as if I was back in high school. I will admit, I probably added to it, but from this day forward I WILL NOT add to it or tolerate it around me. And it is not just my life that has been affected by drama, NO ONE needs this crap.
I think the number 1 reason for all this crap is ASSUMPTION. People take things that are said, written, or done and twist them to apply to themselves. GROW UP! Unless you have enough balls to ask the original person what the meaning really is, DO NOT assume it is about you. I will guarantee that the addition of 2+2 will not equal 4 and the end result will not be pretty. (you know the old adage: it makes and ASS out of U and ME) You will have hurt feelings, pissed off people, and possibly even lose some friends. And as I said before, I am guilty of this too, and I HATED the heartache and grief it created.

Maybe your drama was not because of assumption, but what ever created it I am sure it has turned your life upside down. We do not have to like everyone we come in contact with, but lets treat them with respect. We all deserve it. If you need to vent, feel free to vent, but don’t expect me to jump on board with the attack (see my blog on collusion). I made that mistake once, and asked for help too late, but I have learned my lesson.

We all need an ear, a shoulder, and a heart, I will be that for you, and all I ask in return is the same.

XOXO

The Going Rate?

I have a delimma.

 We have our first loose tooth and I have NO clue what the tooth fairy should leave. 

The going rate when I was growing up 20+ yrs ago was a 50 cent piece. 

What was your tooth fairy treasure when you were growing up? 

What is the going rate now??

I had a friend suggest rolling up a dollar and tying it with a little ribbon. <-- I really like this idea, but didn't like the pictures that google provided - bad, very bad

Love & Fairy Dust

MJ

Randomness Squared

• The hubs survived his procedure yesterday.  We got there at 645 and were out the door at 805.  This is unheard of in the main hospital
• DH can not listen to instructions.  Was suppose to leave the bandages on for two weeks - yeah guess what he did today!?
• We had our second counseling at the school.  It was enlightening to say the least.  The hubs is not on board 100% (or even 75%) with this step so there may be some struggle in the months to come.
• Goose is in Daisy Scouts and selling cookies - I am not ready to peddle these things for $3.50.  I would much rather donate a sum than sell.  I hated selling when the old daycare did fundraisers
• I have not purchased Starbucks in 2 weeks and I am craving a Grande Non-Fat, 3 Equal, dash of Cinnamon Latte.  I gave up SB so that I wouldn't have to pack Goose's lunch.
• We are looking forward to dog sitting!  We {heart} dogs, but I am just WAY too burned out to have one day in and day out.  One day though I will - until then I will lavish our attention on HL's cutie :o) 

I must say that I am having a hard time coming up with stuff to blog.  My thoughts haven't been racing like the were the last few months.  I am content with my life for once  :o) 

Weekly Wisdom - Worry

I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.


Obviously, we have no way of knowing what our future will be; however, as Christians, we know the one who knows--God.

We should not worry about the future, because our times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15). In other words, God will give you what you need when you need it.

Therefore, it is no surprise that Jesus repeatedly tells us not to worry: "Do not worry about tomorrow" (Matthew 6:34).

Again, Jesus emphasized that God loves and cares for us, and we therefore should not worry about our life: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25-27).

Although you don't know what God has in store for you, be assured that He has a good plan for your life (see Romans 8:28). Because He has such a good plan for you, there is no need to worry about life. Although you don't know what tomorrow holds, you have the opportunity to know the one who holds tomorrow!

*********

Weekend Review

Wow, it's been awhile since I have actually just sat down and shared what is going on in our life.  It is nice to get back to "basics"

Because of the snow "storm" Goose had an extended weekend.  They released school early on Thursday and classes were canceled Friday.  She took advantage of the snow and sun to go play outside both Friday and Saturday.  Unfortunately, Saturday afternoon she came down with something and wasn't able to keep anything down.  Her and I camped out in the living room last night and had quite a bit of bonding every hour.



Ducky, ah sweet Ducky.  She has been testing the limits with "NO", *pppfffttssss* and "Bad momma".  She has learned that this momma does not tolerate much of the above and she will have a slight tap to her mouth and a time out.  When you tell her to go to time out she will go climb in the chair and then give you the most poutiest look.  I would try to capture it, but every time I get the camera out I get "CHEESE" and some how I don't think that is condusive to a proper learning experience.

It has been a rough weekend for the hubs.  It was a year ago today that he lost his Grandpa - I will never forget the day.  We had went to celebrate his birthday a day early up in Findlay with my parents.  As we were sitting down with our salads he received a call saying that Grandpa wasn't doing well, that he had coded and that he should stop in on the way home. I offered to take off right then and there but he chose to wait until after the main course.  We flew down 75, dropped him off at the hospital and I took the girls home.  We are barely half way home when he calls me and tells me Grandpa is gone.  I continued on home, left the girls with a friend that had joined us, and headed back.  It was a shock to say the least.  Grandpa had had Open Heart 5 days early and had seemed to be doing fine. Just goes to show that when He determines it is time, it is time.  BUT now every year as we get ready to celebrate his birthday, we also will have this reminder.  I know that it kills him in the inside for his grandpa was his everything.

Tomorrow the hubs is having a small procedure done out at the Institute of Orthopediac Surgery.  Then later in the day I have my second session with the school counsler and this time Goose will be included.  Lets hope for some progress!

Love to all!

Friday Rewind

Originally posted in August -

BLESSED

As I sit here and listen to my girls giggling, I realize how blessed I am. I have two amazing daughters that are perfect. I am fairly healthy albeit some emotional stuff. I have a roof over my head and food to feed my family. What more can one ask for??


A small part of my job is to review history and physicals of all patients having surgery - and there have been a couple here lately that make me stop and pray. I do not know what I would do if I knew that the procedure I am coming in for may or may not work. And if it didn't what would be my outcome, how long would I have to live - to spend with my girls? I do not know what I would do if God determined that I could handle a special needs child and then to be further trialed by further incapacitating her in an accident. Would I be able to handle the fact that my daughter would never walk, talk, smile, or laugh?

I some times forget how precious each moment is - I get so caught up in the day to day rat race that I forget to stop and just be thankful. My goal is to pause thru out the day and just praise the Lord for what I am privileged to partake in - what I have been blessed with - then at the end of the day list in my journal the 3 top blessings.

My challenge to you is do the same. Feel free to leave them here in the comments (I know you all are out there reading this) or start your own journal.

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Every day you are choosing either to be grateful or to be disappointed. You can worry to no end about what you don't have. Or you can marvel at God's breathtaking gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Could you create any of these? These miracles of life are always around you, ready to be celebrated, ready to be welcomed into your life.

Temporary & a Prayer

I was recently reminded of how even though things do not always go the way we want them - it will be okay.  We need to make the best of the situation and thank the good Lord for what we are blessed with because our time is but temporary. 

I find this song very uplifting and full of hope:



This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive.There is no cost but a lot of rewards.
Let's always pray for one another..

The Prayer:

Father,

Thank You for each and every day You have blessed us here on earth.
Thank You for Your tender mercies..
Thank You for giving us friends and family to share these joys with.

I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those I care deeply for who are reading this right now.

Where there is joy, give them continued joy,
Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy.
Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence.
Where there is need, fulfill their needs.

Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings

In Jesus' name Amen

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For a Friend

What a better way to let a friend know that I am here for them than with the cast of Glee singing the ever popular "Lean On Me".

I'm Letting Go

Today I had to do something that I hate doing.  I had to give up control - and for those of you that know me knows this is HUGE.  I like having a routine and knowing that everything is taken care of.   I like knowing that things are done my way (yes I am admitting I want it MY way - not that it is always the correct way).  It's not that I don't think others can do what I do, it's just I take my responsibilites to heart.  I don't want to be known as a failure or a screw up.

Starting today and for most of the winter, the husband will be responsible for making sure Goose gets to and from school and that Ducky gets to the sitter.  I'm sure he will get them there (HELLO time away from the children can not be passed up) but it's the timing that I panic over.  Goose has to be at the Church for religion at 855 or she will be counted as tardy. The husband is not too concern with time and it DRIVES me insane.

So yes my dear friends, I let go of said worries.  Told him once that I leave the house at 745 and drop her off at the side of the Church and then I drove away telling myself it will be okay, it will be okay.

Sunday Praise

Because of schedules etc, I haven't been attending service like I should.  However, on Sunday mornings I listen to last weeks podcast of our Church and then try to find one or two songs that really move me for one reason or another.  Here is one that keeps calling to me.

All the Luck

Growing up, we ALWAYS had to have Pork and Kraut for our meal on January 1st.  I can remember mom steaming the pork roast for several hours, tying the black pan together with shoestrings.  She would then dump the kraut on top and steam it all together for another hour or so.  The sour, yet sweet, smell permeated throughout the 1200 sq ft farm home. 

When I was younger, I didn't know why we had to have the dreadingly bland looking meal (for of course it was always served with boiled potatoes) on every . single . New Years day.  When I would question it, all I would receive was "it's bad luck if you don't so eat up."  Okay, that still didn't answer much as to why we did it, but like a good little girl I did what I was told.   Now I know it is because of our heritage that we partake in such tradition.  According to Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, pork and sauerkraut will bring good luck to you and your family in the year ahead... if it's eaten on New Year's Day.

It still doesn't explain the why or how it brings good luck, but I will continue the tradition, because goodness knows, I need all the luck I can receive.