Cousin Time

Yesterday was a great time of visiting with my cousins!  My cousin Sandy & her husband Tony came over & brought their little grandson Patrick.  And her nephew Billy Jake (who lives in California) and we haven't seen him in years!  Billy Jake is 5 months older than Amy ~ he always referred to her as little Amy, I guess since since she was younger than him.  It really irked him when she got taller than him at about 11 or 12 years old.  They saw each other a couple of years ago while he and his dad were visiting GA and I think the height was even.....not anymore!  He is officially taller!  The conversation yesterday....

He walks in ~
Amy says, yep you are taller now (then she stands up)
BJ says, yeah, but not by much! 

Then she did get to gloat over the fact that he is a senior and she graduated a year early ~ then she found out that he was getting a car from someone in his moms family & its a mustang ~ one of the cars on her wishlist.  So the rivalry continues! 

Patrick came because his mom & dad were at the hospital having his little brother, Grant.  Little Grant was born about 7 or so last night and weighed 8lb 4oz. 

My aunt & uncle also came to visit & my sister and my niece Bethany!  My aunt had tremendous amount of sickness this year ~ strokes & pneumonia ~ and yesterday looked better than I had seen her in the whole year.  We are thankful for her recovery to this point.

Bethany, Amy & Billy Jake played basketball for a while then came in to play with Patrick & watch some football.

What we originally thought was going to be a short visit turned into several hours of funtime!

Look Bethany is tall too!

Haha...she is cheating!

Our Year In Review

WOW!  2013 has been a great year ~ In January, Greg & I along with Granny, Amy & Will went on a cruise to celebrate Greg's 50th birthday & Amy & Wills highschool graduation & my homeschool retirement!  That was lots of fun!

In March we had a big family wedding and welcomed Amy Kate into our family as a new daughter ~ Andy's bride!  And we welcomed another daughter in Sept. ~ Jennifer, Allen's bride.

We got the awesome news that we were going to be grandparents again in 2014!  Can't wait!

I had the joy & excitement of seeing my last 2 homeschool graduates ~ Amy & Will!  The last 18 years were fun, exasperating, exciting, scary, full of love, experiences, fun field trips & tears!  I love that I had this opportunity.

Greg & Will went to their first Nascar race with Allen & Jennifer in Atlanta.  They loved it ~ it won't be the last!

Will got a job at  our local Kroger grocery & loves it!  In December, he was named employee of the month!

Our family zoo welcomed Rosie ~ the ever hyper active lab/boxer ~ who keeps life very interesting.

Amy & Will traveled to Memphis for Street Reach again and loved their week & those children.

Greg, Amy & I went with a mission team to New York state & had a great week working for the Lord.  And reconnecting with friends from our previous Oklahoma mission trip.

Cousin Sarah battled her breast cancer & the Lord has healed her!  No more treatments or any invasive surgery.

Our little grandson Robert, turned a year old!  He is growing & learning & gives great messy kisses!  He joins the ranks of big brother in Feb.

Greg & I went on a serious weight loss plan the middle of July & its working ~ 50 lbs. for me and 72 for him!  The holidays have slowed it down a little ~ time to get serious again!  We've had lots of fun shopping for much smaller clothes!

Greg has started taking some painting classes at Hobby Lobby and really enjoys it! 

Looking forward into 2014 ~

hopefully a family beach vacation
adding to our grandchild count
4 mission trips ~ Me, Amy & Greg to Honduras & New York, Amy to Street Reach & Will to Haiti.

Game Time

One of our new Christmas Eve traditions is a trip to Walmart ~ its always funny to watch folks scurry around like they just remembered the 25th was the next day!  Another new tradition (2nd year) is to buy a new game to play ~ this year it was Phase 10.  The kids & Greg had played it in VA but I had not.  Things get interesting when 5 young adults & 2 parents gather around the table to play a card game ~~~~~ start to finish was 4 1/2 hours ~~~~~~ lots of fun & laughter & grumbling being stuck on a "phase" (I am guilty!)

I started writing down comments because they were just so random ~ here is a listen into our gametime ~

that ring hurts
we come from bald stock
there's always adoption
this game is stupid
sock monkeys freak me out
what have I ever done to you
whose idea was this game
too much family time
I don't like being snapped at (finger snapping)
I can only do it this way not that way
you just left a bruise
someone shoot Amy
stop messing with me
ahhhh, I feel the love
your face is as blue as the day you were born
sorry I got distracted by chocolate
don't get fur on my sock monkey
I shouldn't have discarded that Wild card
don't hang onto to those
so this is for the whole sock monkey thing
why do my children skip me
& one of my favorites "I need a bottle, a brown bag & a curb"  (family joke started by my daddy years ago & repeated 2 days ago by his granddaughter!)

RANDOM!  And this is what happens when 4 brothers (ages 30,26,26 &19) and one 17 year old sister play a card game with the parents on Christmas afternoon.

And whats with the sock monkey thing?  Rob doesn't like them at all ~ says they creep him out ~ his precious little sister got him one!  We had a lot of fun with that dollar store joke! 

Amy looks less than excited!

monkey on his back

the monkey was making it hard to concentrate!

Oh Holy Night

Oh holy night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name

 

 

Pinterest has a huge bounty of Nativity Activities & Printables for Children ~ here are 2 more...the first one suggests that you print out the sheet, laminate it, attach magnets and use it for your fridge door ~ the kids can tell you the Nativity story & play it out with the magnetized pictures!  Great idea for memory work!  The 2nd is done on blocks of wood for little hands to hold!

 

Nativity Pritables from Pinterest

Amy is doing the above printables with her 4-5 yr. old Sunday school class ~ they will take them home tomorrow.

I have this on an apron ~ its a funny "other side of the coin" from the Wise Men!  Practical!


 

Just wondering ~

 

I constantly hear/read the term

I am trying to be a "good Christian".

 

What in the world does that mean?

The Bible says none of us are good ~

we are all sinners. (Matthew 19:17)

None of us can perfectly keep the 10 Commandments ~ ever.

Lying, cheating, stealing, hating, envy, bad talking/thinking, not being respectful of parents, putting other things before the Lord ~ all sins ~ committed every day by His Children.

 

My actions/attitudes/beliefs don't make me a "good Christian" ~

I have a Good Savior ~

who knows my every thought & deed (Hebrews 4:12)

who knows my heart (Romans 10:10)

who Loves me as His child ~ even when I am not good (2Timothy3:13-18)

who encourages me to strive to His standards & not the worlds (2Timothy 4:1-5)

who teaches me ~ not just gives to me (NT parables)

 

I am thankful that the Lord left us with His Word ~

That His Word is plainly written for us ~ not hidden

 

That He loved His creation (man) enough to send His Son to save His children ~

 

John 5:22-25

For the Father judges no one but has committed all judgment in the son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Rather.  He who does not honor the Son does hot honor the Father who sent Him.  Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death unto life.

 

No, I am not good ~ but my life, faith & trust are in the One Who Is Good!

 

 



Its Birthday Time!

Today begins our yearly birthday celebration ~

30 years ago James entered this world ~ 7lb. 4 oz.  of blonde, blue eyed boy. I became a Mom!  He was the first grandson on both sides of the family.  His inititals are JSM just like his father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  This blessing has brought me much joy, much love, and taught me many different things ~ like what it means to really trust the Lord to care for my son when I cannot, how to cope with & get through life with a child that is ADHD & dyslexic (not so much hyperactive now), how to deal with food allergies (milk), how to encourage & support him through his Eagle Scout quest (accomplished on his 18th birthday),  how to pray all those nasty kidney stones away & buy prescriptions to help with pain,  how to visit with and encourage him in less than ideal conditions, how to love like a Mom no matter what!  Life has never been dull with James ~ I am very thankful for his life & love.

And a very happy birthday to our newest daughter ~ Jennifer....who was also born 30 years ago today.  Jennifer is a lovely young lady who captured my son Allen's heart several years ago ~ and thus captured a chunk of mine too!  Her sweet spirit, encouraging nature, and loving attitude are great calming influences on Allen!  They are so sweet together!  This mom is blessed that they have each other to love and care for ~ Happy Birthday Jennifer!  We are thankful for you & love you!

Chevron Quilt

Several months ago I saw a Chevron Quilt on Pinterest (http://sizzixukblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/the-2-hour-quilt-top.html) and wanted to make my own ~ don't be fooled by the 2 hour title ~ it took me days longer than 2 hours.  I am slow with quilting but that gal must have had others doing her ironing & trimming & laying out the top ~ it took me quite a while.  However, I am loving the quilt ~ finished it yesterday!  Some of the edges aren't perfect ~ in fact a couple are really off!  But here are some pictures ~



Made using 1/2 square triangles

It was fun going through all my previously cut rag quilt squares and repurposing them for this quilt.  And finding more fabric to match!  I used 6 inch squares, then trimmed down to a finished 5 inch square. This quilt kept growing ~ its larger than a crib size but smaller than a twin.  Its 10 squares across and 15 squares in length. 

 

My next one is going to be pink & white ~ every other line will be white!  I want to make it a crib size, so I don't know if I will use fewer squares across & in length or use smaller squares.  Again, using mostly previously cut squares!  Shopping in my stash is great (most of the time!).

 

Happy Crafting!

Celebrations & Traditions of Men

All the seasonal celebrating is in full swing.  And while we have greatly "uncommercialized" our December ~ there are still lots of fun surprises throughout the month.  We've been able to buy new clothes ~ that fit!  Amy & I have been to Miss. Ballet's "Nutcracker" and Ballet Magnificats "Snow Queen".  Will & James went to see the new "Hobbit" movie on its opening day.  Gregs got a "grazing" day at work on Wed. Amy's had several cupcake orders.  We had a fun visit with Mom.  Our choir program is done for the season!  And between the 18th & 22nd we've got 4 family birthdays to celebrate ~ James will be 30 on Wed.!  Our new daughter, Jennifer celebrates her birthday on Wed. too.  Then Rob & Andy will turn 26 on the 22nd!  Happy Day to 4 of our blessings!

Rosie our "wild child" lab has been celebrating too ~ she attended a puppy party of Petsmart (corny I know, but if you went you got $10 discount on the next set of classes!) and "graduated" her first puppy class.  She got the name Wild Child from the trainer at the store. 

Its been interesting to listen to debates over the actual date of Jesus' birth, whether to celebrate or not, what kind of music to listen too, etc.  Gregs done some research on the time of Birth ~ he has come up with sometime in Sept. ~ many reasons but here are a few ~ Jesus was born about 6 months after John the Baptist, John was born at Passover in the spring ~ the census would have waited till after the harvest so that the citizens had funds to pay their taxes ~ shepherds would not have been out in the fields watching their flocks by night in the winter time.  And since the rulers were out to kill the newborn King ~ his birthdate would not have been widely advertised....

Here are some other interesting tidbits of info ~ the 3 wisemen were probably more of a band of 100's and they didn't show up at the stable or cave the night of his birth ~ he was probably about 2 years old.  They followed His star for a long time.  Mary was a young girl chosen by the Lord to carry His son ~ some accounts estimate she was as young as 12.  She was a virgin at the time of conception & until Jesus' birth.  But she and Joseph had other children after this event.  The stable or cave He was born in was a nasty, stinky, animal inhabited area ~ quite a humble beginning for God becoming Man.  Jesus was God, fully God & fully Man ~ confusing but true.

So where did all the other holiday trappings/traditions come from?  Many came from the Catholic church ~ they decided to take the Winter Solstice celebration & pick that date/time of year as the time of the birth. The winter solstice time was a drunken, disorderly, mischief making time.They celebrated a Mass for that time called Christs Mass which later became Christmas.  The decorating with evergreens (trees, wreaths) came from the ancient Druids.  Santa came from many different stories/myths etc.   You can easily find books or online resources that explain the origins of all the traditions.

For us, finding out some of the traditions that we held dear had such pagan roots really impacted our thinking.  We prayed specifically for the Lord to show us what we should do.  Our decisions are for our household ~ our children may or may not follow along, they have to make their own decisions.  We have split up all our vast assortment of decorations between the kids that wanted them ~ many came from our first marriages & are important to the children as a link to their mom or dad.  My decorations now fit into 2 upper cabinets in my kitchen ~ except for the large wooden nativity Greg made.  We still love the music & some of the movies.  The original Home Alone is hysterical because I could see James or Allen pulling those tricks on some crooks,  White Christmas is beautiful ~ costumes, music, sweet storyline,  The Nativity Story ~ a good interpretation of the events, and several others.

Do what works for you, don't be afraid to change, know that people won't understand drastic changes, don't expect others to do what you do, answer questions as best you can, rely on the Lord for His leading not on man.

Have fun with your family!  Even if you do nothing to celebrate ~ spend time with your loved ones...unless you work at a hospital, fire station or police station...you are home from work.  And if you go all out and celebrate to the fullest ~ have fun & stay safe!

I am thankful the Lord sent His Son to earth ~ to seek & to save His lost. 

2nd Goal Accomplished!

I am so excited that my 2nd weight loss hurdle has been met ~ 50 pounds!  The pounds between 45-50 jumped around like a jack in the box....not fun.

So I have a little advice to share ~
*Stick with it ~ don't give up ~ you can do it
*Have plenty of acceptable snacks & munchies on hand (carry them with you when you are out so you aren't tempted)
*If portion control is an issue ~ premeasure the stuff into Ziploc bags or little containers
*drink LOTS of fluids ~ water, tea, diet drinks....lots and lots is 80-100 oz a day
*read how others have done whatever diet you are doing (we are doing Atkins now)
*Pinterest has tons of ideas & recipes for free
*Try new food items that are permissible (mashed cauliflower is pretty good!)
*If you are heading out to eat ~ check the rest. menu online and see if they list the nutrition facts ~ so you know what you can eat
*Have a co-dieter to go on this journey with you...Greg is my best cheerleader (Mom & Amy too!)
*It would help not to have a daughter who is a baker ~ but I do, so I leave the room, sometimes go upstairs and shut the door
*get a free account with "my Fitness Pal.com" to track your progress, inches lost, food diary, etc.  Did I mention its FREE"

Enjoy your success!  Have fun shopping for new clothes.  Clearance racks are awesome, black Friday sales were very helpful too!  Donate the old ones.

Now onto the next 50!  Ready or not.....here I come! 

Total between Greg and I is now 120~  whoo hoo!

A funny to share ~ I requested the New Atkins book to read & review & was accepted ~ I can write/share the review next week.....how funny is it that the book will be released on Christmas Eve?  I think its hysterical ~ releasing a diet book during one of the biggest munchy times of the year!

According to TV

 

According to TV shows & commercials...

 

I "deserve" the best

there should be a new car in my driveway sporting a big red bow on 12-25

that "Jared" & "Kay" have the corner market on jewelry & romance

that I should have enough $$ to shop everyones "one day sale"

that feminine products have to advertise because we may "forget" what to buy

the only place to buy unmentionables is V Secret (it ain't a secret anymore)

dinner isn't complete without a frozen entrée of some sort

that polar bears drink coke products in December

that living to the excess is the norm

 the minute a new phone is on the market, I should have it

 if you don't shop at Ross, Burlington, or TJ Max you overspent

that everyone is ALL smiles at holidays (get real!)

 

 

Oh well, maybe enough griping for today!

 

Now onto a Show review ~

 

Amy and I just finished watching "The Sound of Music" live last night.  These folks took on the impossible task of making a classic better ~ you can't take something awesome and make it awesomer~  NO ONE can beat Julie Andrews & Christopher Plummer.  That being said, it was an enjoyeable remake...except for the new songs someone felt they had to throw in.  Carrie Underwood has a beautiful voice and did a good job as Maria.  I saw many people slamming her on fb for her acting skills or lack of acting skills ~ she is a singer not an actress!  I was apprehensive about watching it after I saw the whipping it took, but I am glad we did ~ it was a good try but they should have stuck closer to the original with the song order, and lines!

 



Housework

The Reason

BUSY Weekend!

We had a fun filled, exciting weekend.

Amy and I started out Sat. at an American Girl party for my little buddy Ragen ~ she got lots of doll gifts & loved all of it.  Amy & I were the beauticians for the Dolly Beauty Parlor ~ lots of detangling of doll hair to do!

Then we walked around a craft fair with Greg & Will ~ we had thought about getting a booth and selling at it but decided that was too much to get ready for.  I am so glad we didn't ~ it was wet and very cold & the craft fair was outside, set up in big tents. Brrrrrr!

Then choir practice & a dinner date with my beloved!  Yum ~ steak & our first baked potato in 6 months!  (they were little potatoes and we counted the carbs!)

Sunday was church, Mom got here & then the choir performance!  Busy day ~ but we had fun & loved singing with all our friends.

Today Mom, Amy and I spent the day wandering around our favorite stores & eating lunch at Chick Fil A.  Fun girlie time.

Tomorrow may be a stayin' at home day & crafting.

American Girl Dolls

My little buddy, Ragen, is celebrating her 6th birthday tomorrow & is having an American Girl birthday party.  She is so excited!  The other day they were over here & she asked Amy where all her dolls were ~ they are in her room.  Ragen hauled Amy upstairs to look at the dolls & to tell Amy which one to bring to the party!  So Felicity will be attending the party to celebrate Ragens birthday!

We've had lots of fun looking at DIY doll projects on pinterest!  And I started remembering all the fun we had with Amys dolls ~ all of which she still has and will be keeping for her daughters one day (good thing since AG isn't doing the historic dolls anymore). 

When Amy was 6 or so, she wanted an 18" doll but as a single mom ~ I wasn't convinced that a $90 doll was a good thing or that she would take good care of it.  She already had a bitty baby, Elizabeth, that she adored.  So we got a $18 doll from Target for a trial run ~ she had to take care of the doll, keep all the accessories together and neat etc.....for a year.  Then we would see.  We got lots of the Target goodies for the doll that year and Amy loved her!  She still pored over the AG catalog when it came and was convinced that Felicity would be hers in the future.  The following Christmas, Felicity joined the doll family ~ then Mollie ~ then Samantha's friend Nellie (Amy was born on my Aunt Nellies birthday).  Then Amy saved her money and bought one that looked like herself with brown hair & green eyes.  We watched for sales through the catalog & bought clothes for each of the dolls, a few bigger pieces (like the bathtub & stove).  Most of the doll furniture came from Target or JoAnns or Walmart.  The original Target doll was passed on to another little girl. 

The way I paid for the doll was to start making doll clothes to sell ~ that was the beginning of my sewing.  Everyone said I was crazy to start with such tiny pieces but in my mind it made sense ~ I would rather ruin a little piece of fabric than a big piece~  Not only did I make enough to buy the doll, the first year, I made enough to buy 5 dolls.  I was able to sell at my consignment sale & to sell the clothes at Amy's first ballet studio.  This was all from Sept. - Dec.  I also ventured into sewing for Amy & made her & the dolls matching outfits, some even smocked!

When the American Girl store opened in Atlanta, Mom took me, Amy, Katie, my sister Brenda & her daughter Bethany for lunch in the café & shopping.  If you think the catalog is great ~ you need to go to a store!  Its lots of fun.  I stood at the dolly 'beauty shop" and watched them repair the dolls hair back to it original beauty ~ and yes, just use the brush they sell for the hair, it does much better.  We ate a cute little teaparty style lunch ~ the dolls have their own chairs.  And walked around for a long time looking (drooling) at all the goodies that are available!

We loved the experience so much that the next Christmas ~ Greg made reservations for the girls & I and Mom and we went back!  Its definitely a girlie, feminine, dolly time!

there are extra dolls just in case you need a companion for lunch!

Appetizer of cheese sauce with vegies & bread for dipping!

Amy's Mac & Cheese dinner with French fries ~ she picked it!

So all of that wandering down Memory Lane to say, I am really having fun looking at stuff, finding new ideas, anticipating future grand daughters & seriously contemplating making doll clothes to sell again! 

Ragens party will be fun ~ I know they will enjoy yummy cupcakes (by Amy), and this adopted Grandma is looking forward to some girlie fun with Amy, Angel, Ragen, Sara, and Lauren & the other little girls that come!

There is a difference in the quality of the dolls ~ not just the price.  The AG dolls have a better quality full head of hair, are made sturdier, and have jointed arms and legs that allow them to sit in the chairs without sliding out.  

Our December

December is shaping up to be a busy month ~

We've got our choir performance this weekend at church ~ so Sat. afternoon & Sunday afternoon/evening will be busy.

We've got 5 birthdays to celebrate this month ~ my little buddy Ragen, James, Jennifer, Andy & Rob.

We have a visit from Mom ~ next week.  And we will go to GA the end of the month.

We are attending 2 weddings

We have the 15th anniversary of our church celebration.

Amy & I have 2 ballet performances to attend ~ The Nutcracker, today & The Snow Queen in 1 1/2 weeks.

We still have puppy training classes ~ there is improvement!

Amy's had a cupcake order just about every week ~ got 2 scheduled already for this month!

Dec. 24 & 25th we will carry on our new traditions of good food, family times & games.  Our gifting is mostly completed ~ have one more to go!

I am going to make menu planning easy this month ~
Breakfasts
Eggs of some sort
Me ~ Atkins Shake
kids ~ cereal, eggs, bagels, pop tarts, toast, etc.

Lunches
sandwiches
leftovers
kids ~ pizza or lean cuisine (when we find them on sale)

Snacks
sugar free jello or pudding
popcorn
power crunch or Atkins bars
pb crackers

Dinners
taco salad x 4
chicken enchiladas x4
*pizza x4
chili x 4
fish x 4 with either salad or vegies
meat & vegies x8  different meats & vegies


*We've made pizza using our low carb tortillas as the base ~ tasty!  The toppings are all different depending on what we thaw out ~ different meats, onions, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cheeses, etc.

Our meats can be either chicken, turkey, ground beef, or pork.

Probably Christmas day we will do steaks & shrimp, baked potatoes & salads.  Greg & I have added in 1/2 a baked sweet potato to our rotations ~ we can do 1/2 a reg. baked potato too, but haven't yet.

Happy December!

Book Review for NetGalley

"Dream Wedding on a Dime" authored by Bobette Kyle

This book is jam-packed with advice, tips, tricks, and hints for planning a wedding & reception on a budget but not be cheap.  The 7 secrets are Smart Money works for you ~ who is paying for what & how, Time does more than tick ~ plan ahead and be organized, Treasures lie Upon the Road Less Traveled ~ look into non-wedding vendors as a resource, Recycling Saves More than the Planet ~ it can save your budget too!, Blending is Best ~ mixing new with do it yourself items for your day, Ask & Receive ~ ask for discounts, look for volunteers, ask for cash to help pay for the wedding as your wedding gift, and Stack & Save ~ stacking coupons or discounts, can items serve more than one purpose...ceremony & reception.  With the prices of todays weddings skyrocketing ~ this is a great down to earth resource for the couple who wants a nice day but doesn't want to pay exorbitant prices for everything involved.

This book was of particular interest to me because we were in on the planning of 3 of our childrens weddings in the last 2 years ~ 2 of them were just 6 1/2 months apart!  We utilized many of these suggestions for our family weddings & will be rereading the book before our next 4 walk down the aisles.  The book contains many awesome ideas for having a nice day without going bankrupt! 

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review ~ Donna Jackson

A Surprise & lots of Thankfulness

 

James was finally able to make it home this weekend ~

between Friday about noon & Sat. about noon ~ his kidney stones decided to

exit his body ~ 1 large & 5 or 6 small ~~~~

He was very Thankful!

 

Last night, after choir ~ he was sitting at home and he saw something out of the corner of his eye ~

one of the rings he thought was stolen!  It was the gold signet ring with his dads initials engraved on it ~ they shared the same initials.  He was so excited when he called to tell me.  We had looked under the bed, behind & under the dresser and he had vacuumed and never saw it.  Then he started searching for the Marine Corp ring & FOUND IT!  Across the room under/behind the bedside table!

Talk about excited & Thankful! 

 

We don't know if the robbers picked them up to get later, or tossed them across the room to get them off the tv or what happened.  I do know that stuff can be replaced ~ but that family heirlooms that mean a lot have a priceless value.  I am so thrilled that his treasures were not lost.

 

I am thankful his health has been restored & that his treasures were located!



Thankful to be a Grandma!

 

crunchy leaves

Hi Grandma~

it was a long day!

"helping" Grandpa

exploring Uncle Robs pickup

Mmmmmmm...Auntie Amy makes great cupcakes

watchin' the wabbit

HI wabbit!

shhhh, don't tell Grandpa I swiped his phone!

 

And in Feb. we get another little buddy to enjoy and play with!

Thankful Eve

 

I am thankful that ~~~~

 

Greg took the day off work

 

for laughter & fun

 

for gloves

 

for sunshine

 

for not getting the snow that was predicted for Mississippi

 

for a helpful daughter

 

for a loving husband & daddy to our children

 

for healing that is allowing 2 of our children to travel home for the holiday

 

for 48 pounds gone with the wind

 

for a lab that is slowly but surely learning

 

for a computer that "brightens" pictures!

 

for yummy smells

 

for the anticipation of Dressing (not stuffing here in the south)

 

for AmyKates job even if it doesn't allow them to come for Thanksgiving dinner

 

for painkillers (James has a kidney stone this week ~ argh!  Like he needed something else to deal with after last week...)

 

for the hospital being right around the corner from our house ~ makes it handy to visit him ~ he was released today

 

for sales & a little $$ to take advantage of them

 

for not having to cook the turkey ~ that's Gregs job now ~ we do fried turkey

 

for the 1st sandwich I've had in 5 months ~ Grilled Cheese on low carb bread ~ awesome!

 

For that same low carb bread going into our breakfast casserole so Greg and I can eat it too!

 

 



The Thankful Season

 

The Thankful Season

Elisabeth Weaver Winstead

 

 

thanksgiving is the splendor

Of our treasured autumn scenes,

Golden corn and waving wheat

with fruitful fields swept clean.

 

It's the memory of the fertile earth

Turned for planting in the spring

And praise for the abundance

That bright harvest days now bring.

 

Thanksgiving sends sweet messages

That reach from heart to heart,

Uniting friends with loved ones

Although they're miles apart.

 

It's an old but joyous feeling

As our cheerful spirits mount,

For past efforts are rewarded

With rich blessings left to count.

 

Thanksgiving Day is cherished

In this great land where we live,

reflected in our happy hearts

and the grateful praise we give.



Our Not So Good Week

Last week I posted out car was broken into in St. Louis that was on Sunday ~

I am thankful I got to spend Sunday night, Monday night, & Tuesday afternoon/night with our St. Louis Family!

We drove home on Wed. ~ James had been staying at our house with Will while we were gone.

James drove to his place on Wed. ~ to find his tv stolen & some other stuff.  Police were called & came out ~ wrote up the report & told him not to disturb anything because they wanted to come and fingerprint....so he drove back to our house for the night.  He stayed 2 nights ~ went home on Friday to find IT HAPPENED AGAIN!  argh!

This time they hauled off paintball guns, computer equipment (he had his laptop with him) and other junk.  James & Allen both collect swords & knives ~ all of James collection is gone.

The WORST things that were taken ~ 2 rings that were his 1st dads that I gave him....an engraved signet ring Scott got for highschool graduation & his Marine Corp ring ~ these are NOT replaceable.  His 2 mementos from his father.  That's low down and dirty of those crooks.

A friend of ours came out and installed new locks on his doors ~ new, reconfigured locks that can't be picked ~ our friend is a locksmith.  Greg and Will built a new cover the the window that was busted ~ we think that's how they got in the 2nd time.  But they got out the front door toting his belongings after they picked his lock.

Is there something to be thankful for in this ~

yes....

they left ALL his Eagle Scout stuff
they left his Scout Scrapbook
they didn't find his cash or coin collection
he wasn't there & wasn't injured

We are really praying for a very DULL week!

They SHOULD HAVE stolen one of his Bibles & started reading it ~ would do them a world of good.

Thankful for.....

I am thankful for ~

getting my Thanksgiving grocery shopping done

a huge variety of recipes & ideas from the internet

household projects getting started/completed

a slightly calmer 8 month old lab (she hasn't been tossed out of puppy school!)

anticipation of family visits

quiet evenings at home

cold medicine

J ~ getting her needed prescriptions from the dr. today

comfy shoes

the weekend

dusted furniture

working at the Operation Christmas Child relay center (yesterday ~ FUN)

photo books from Shutterfly ~ especially when I get them free from My Coke Rewards

Net Galley Book Review

"The Amish Groom" authored by Mindy Starns Clark & Susan Meissner

The Amish Groom is the story of young man named Tyler.  Tylers mom was Amish & left home & the faith at an early age to pursue what she thought was a better life.  She met & married Tylers father and they followed him where ever the military moved him.  At 6 Tyler's mom died & after the funeral he is sent to live with his Amish grandparents ~ from age 6, Tyler is raised Amish, with their clothing, customs, faith.  His best friends are his cousin Jake, his girlfriend Rachel, and his dog Timber. Tylers father remarries & has another son, Brady.  Tylers story fluctuates between his love of the Amish & everything they stand for & his "jealousy/confusion" over the life he could have been living~ the life he was born into.  Tyler spends much time comparing the 2 different lifestyles, faith, clothing, & freedoms before he reaches his final decision of whether or not to be baptized into the Amish faith.  While a fiction story, its probably similar to many conflicts that youth of the Amish deal with when they are deciding their future of either staying/being Amish or leaving for the "English" world. 

It was a very good book.  I enjoyed reading it & am looking forward to the books to come.

Donna Jackson

Thankful for ~

 

And the list continues ~

(and I pray it never ends)

 

Travel Mercies

Cracker Barrel for lunch

lots of sewing time

gifted preachers/teachers to listen to while we ride

 

current favorites are

Todd Friel (Wretched Radio)

Jim McClarty

Steve Lawson

John McArthur

RW Glenn

Kevin Swanson

 

The ability to download these talks/sermons & travel with them

warm clothing

new shoes

reading to my grandson

sugar free Spice Tea

Stevia ~ my sweetener of choice

books on the Kindle

relaxing hours with Amy

coming home to a clean house (thanks Will & James)

the scale dropping below my "next" goal (now to set another one)

laughter at choir

sweet hugs from my twin friends

planning menus for Thanksgiving weekend

time to serve

 

More thankfulness to come!

 

 

 

 



Different Blog Titles ~~~~~

 

Wow, look what happened!

 

What Idiots!

 

This is a mess!

 

Did they steal anything?

 

Is my camera still in the car?

 

Somebody call the police!

 

 

 

So, we are in St. Louis ~ got here and checked into our hotel & headed to Katies house.

 

We got there, ate dinner, played with the baby, and headed out to go bowling.

 

Katie, Bryant, and Amy bowled ~ Greg and I played with Robert.

 

Walked out to the car to find our passenger window SMASHED in. (Don't know why the car alarm did not go off)

 

Called the police, realized the gps was gone, the idiots left the camera in the back (praise the Lord), and stood out in the parking lot for 1 1/2 hours while the police & detective wrote up the report, dusted for prints, did mine & Gregs fingerprints to eliminate us, etc.

 

 

A bowling alley employee swept out a lot of the car and cleaned up the parking lot.  Bryant went to walmart and bought us plastic & duct tape......duct tape doesn't fix everything ~ a shocker, I know!

 

yep, I got fingerprinted!

Thankful for ~

no one being injured
an appt. to get our window fixed tomorrow
pretty low deductible
the ability to laugh at bad situations
my camera being left I the back of the van
a warm snuggy coat and gloves