The End!!

I made it to the end. Today marks the end of National Blog Posting Month, and in a way I am glad. It is nice to blog everyday if you want to, but taking on a challenge to do it kind of took the fun out. Although I have plenty to say and never seem to be at a lost for words, it still was challenging. My life at times is not that exciting, so this was hard at times.

I got all my beads to make my ornaments and I am going to start on that today. By the time I bought all the supplies, I could have bought everyone an ornament. But there is nothing like receiving something homemade from the heart.

I am also starting on my baking today for my business gifts. I have all the tins and my cookie dough. I bought my doilies yesterday to go in the tins, so I am in business now. Going to start with the library and post office first. Found lots of bananas and nuts in the freezer, so going to make banana nut bread for the church staff. I think that I may make some bread for some of my in laws friends who have been so great on checking on them and bringing them fresh vegetables this summer. Just a little thank you for their thoughtfulness.

Going to try and decorate my in laws house for them since Mark's mom is in rehab. I now have to find everything...which shouldn't be a problem. Thought I might go and buy a nice pre-lit pencil tree for their sun room, which is where everyone congregates when they come. All in all, I am looking at a busy week ahead.

Went by to check on Nell, Mark's mom, this morning and she seems to be doing lots better. We continue to pray for her health and strength.

Wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas this year. May all your festivities be stress free and wonderful. Remember the Reason for the Season!!!

Birthday Wishes

Happy 50th Birthday Sweetie!!!!

Today is Mark's 50th birthday. I had planned a special weekend for him, but as usual life changes your plans. We had car trouble and had to stay in Moore County this weekend. I promised him that I would make it up to him another weekend. I was taking him to the Dixie Stampede Christmas show. He has picked out something that he wants, so it just might be a present and not a show.

I did go and get him a cake. A birthday just isn't a birthday without a cake. The funny part is that we didn't even cut it today. I did bring home KFC for him. I hope he had a great relaxing day.

This is Mark is about 3 years old in this picture. I think he is just too adorable in this picture. He is so sweet. He is very caring and loving to others. He truly has a pastor's heart. Even when we are without a congregation, he still thinks about others. I love you!!!

This is a picture of him at Christmas. I love this picture also, and it is not the best quality. Mark is very compassionate to others. He always goes the extra mile not just with me, but with others. He loves people even though he is shy by nature. He loves listening to people's life stories. He has been the best husband ever. Always doing special things for me, and the biggie...rubbing my shoulders. He always want me to be happy, and puts others before himself. You truly are my Knight in Shining Armor. He is a gem of a guy. I wish you a very Happy Birthday and many many more. He says that now he is going to sign up for AARP....let the discounts begin. hahaha!!!

Unexpected Blessings

A big big thank you to Marla Hayes. She sent me a huge bag of toys today . She sent them for me to give some to my nieces. I picked a few things out. Then my mom asked if I was giving the rest to Amanda for Fed by Faith. She had read my mind. That is exactly what I had planned on doing with them. I sent Marla a text thanking her and telling her what my intentions were with the toys. She was thrilled. Then I posted on Amanda's wall on Facebook that I had toys for Fed by Faith. Everyone involved was so thrilled. Marla I am sure didn't know she was being an unexpected blessing to me, but also someone she doesn't even know. Isn't it amazing how God uses people when they least expect it.

Nothing Much

Not a lot of excitement going on here except car trouble. We went to get in our van Friday afternoon to go home, and it wouldn't start. This week has been a trying time, and this was just the last straw. Mark's sister, Gail had a flat tire yesterday also as she drove up in the rehab parking lot. We finally got Mark's mom settled in the rehab. Planning on this afternoon to go and see her. Hope she will adjust well to her new surrounding. We are just taking things easy and taking one day at a time.

We do have another Birthday coming up this weekend. Tomorrow is Mark's birthday. It is a mile stone one for him. The big 5-0.....he looks good for 50. I had planned on taking him to the Dixie Stampede for his birthday, but that didn't work out. Thank God for internet malfunctions. We were suppose to be there today, but I couldn't get the website to work right...so I gave up. Actually I gave up and forgot to call and get the tickets that way. Thank God for ADD at times also. He has picked out tons of other things he would like to have. Most things he wants are things I would enjoy as well. hehehe!!

This is my mother in laws Thanksgiving Cactus. It is a coral color and very pretty. She has lots of these flowers. There are some white ones that are blooming out, but they aren't fully bloomed yet. I love these flowers, but I can't ever keep one alive. She has given me some before, but mine die. My niece, Anna has a green thumb with these flowers.

I am planning on making the above ornaments this week. I plan to go to Michael's today or tomorrow to get all my beads. I made tons of these one year. That year we gave each family in our church an ornament. They are beautiful on a tree. I decorated one whole small tree one year with just these little ornaments. I thought I could spend some of my time this week to make these. I plan to include these with my business gifts this year.

My business gifts will be cookies this year. I have been buying Christmas tins all year long to put my goodies in to give this year. We make goodies and give to business' that have gone the extra mile for us through out the year. We will be giving our gifts out in Moore County this year. So many business' have been so nice to us as we have been helping Mark's parents out. Cooper's Pharmacy in Vass is at the top of my list. Lewis Cooper and his staff have been exceptionally great to us. Making sure that they have all their meds and advising us on the small illness that just require OTC meds. The Post Office is always on my list. Jimmy and Carl at the Vass PO have been great as I take all my packages from Ebay there everyday. I don't want to forget Debbie at the Library who has been wonderful and recommended books that she thought that I might like. And lets not forget the ladies at the bank....they have been fantastic. It is just a small way to say thank you for your services all year long.

Mom and Dad are coming up today to bring my medicine. I wasn't suppose to be here for this length of time, so I didn't bring enough meds with me. From now on, I am just going to keep everything with me at all times.

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving, and didn't shop too much yesterday. I had a friend who started at 12 midnight and at 5:00 pm yesterday she was still shopping. Dedication or craziness one....I am not sure. Well, breakfast is done and I am officially starting my day.

On Your Mark Get Set...GO!!!

What in the world makes people get up and go out shopping at midnight after Thanksgiving? I have never understood the fun in this tradition. To stand in the cold with strangers (who are crazy as well) for some bargain that you may or may not get. To me it is like the retailers are the "puppet masters" yanking every ones string. Holding out deals in front of you, making you drool that most of the people in line don't even get. People get rude and nasty when they "think" they are about to save a few dollars. I mean people have died on this day from being stampeded to death!! I don't get it. Maybe the reason that I can't wrap my mind around this is because I have been shopping since May. I have about 2 more gifts to buy and I know what those are and no one is putting gift cards on sale. I shop a little along, then I am not broke at the end of the season nor do I have "scared to open my mail" credit card anxiety in January. A friend one time stood in line 5 hours to get a $10 digital camera. Know what they got? A $10 crappy digital camera that took horrible pictures. Boy, wasn't that worth the wait in line. I will just let everyone else snag all the good bargains, as I stay snuggled down in my bed. I am prepared this year. Almost all shopping done, all Christmas cards addressed, and lots of goodies baked and in the freezer. Let the Christmas season begin!!!

Birthday Thanksgiving

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

Today is my daddy's birthday. I won't tell his age, but he is still a good looking young man. I didn't get to be with him today, because my mother in law is still unsettled. He knows that I love him....we will celebrate this weekend. I called him this morning and wished him a Happy Birthday. Hope that you had a great day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Today all the Garner's filled this house up...there are 22 of us now. That is a house full. My sister in law, Patricia and my niece Jessica did all the cooking. We have all had our hands full this past week. My sister in law Gail has spent every night at the hospital with Mark's mom except one in 7 days. The wonderful thing about Mark's family is that we all pull together in a crisis and work together. This here is Courtney, my great niece, she is nine. Very smart and cute as a button.

Kate and Makynlee, our great nieces. They are such a joy. Children's laughter filling the house is such a nice touch.

This is one of the latest additions to our family...Faith. She is full of energy and loves a tennis ball or any toy that you will throw. She belongs to my niece Jessica. She is the only one who would stay still for a clear picture.

My sister in law, Gail with baby Madelyn. She is the cutest little baby ever. Laughed a lot today and that will just melt your heart.

Kate, the little sweetheart. She will steal your heart away. You just have to love her. I had all the great nieces a little present today, and hers was a puzzle. She looked at it and started growling like a bear....it was an animal puzzle and there was a bear on it. She is brilliant for a 2 year old....I am not prejudice.

This is our niece, Jennifer. She is Mark brother, Dwight's daughter. She is also the mother of Courtney and Makynlee. She is enjoying a plate full of food.

Timmy, Jennifer, Adam, Jessica and Makynlee on the sun porch enjoy a Thanksgiving feast.

A few of the dishes we enjoyed today. This crowd woofs it down. Most things were gone before I could get pictures of everything. We were hungry.

Jay with his sweet little girl, Kate. Jay is married to Rebecca. They have our two littlest members of the family.

Mark's brother Dwight. His daughters are Jessica and Jennifer. His grandchildren are Courtney and Makynlee. I am trying to help everyone keep this clan straight.

The great nieces all sit in the same chair to watch movies. No one will be still so my camera will take a great picture.

My sister in law, Patricia, who prepared the bulk of our Thanksgiving feast. The meal was excellent. I am thankful for a family that all pitches in and helps. My contribution was deviled eggs and buying all the paper products. I didn't never get a picture of Anna and Mitchell, Gail's daughter and son in law, or Gail's husband Gerald. Everyone was here but Autumn and Mikaylyn, who are Anna's stepdaughters. We certainly missed them today, because they are hilariously funny girls.

Even though we as a family have had a rough week trying to get Mark's mom settled and straightened out, we had a great Thanksgiving meal. We truly do have a lot to be thankful for this year.

Thanks! Thanks! I Give You Thanks!!!

I thank you Lord, for the strength you give to simply carry on. Through life's falls and tests, in the worst and best, I'm not ever left alone. You are always right beside me, you hear me every time I pray. And since I first began you've been my dearest friend and I want to give you praise.


I give you thanks this moment and I will continually. For each day I live, your grace you give, I am blessed abundantly. I can't forget that moment when in my life you made such a change. Since your Spirit came I've not been the same, and I want to give you thanks



Thanks! Thanks! I give You thanks,For all You've done.I am so blessed.My soul has found rest.Oh, Lord, I give You thanks.


The above is a song that The Nelons did quite a few years back. I always loved that song and thought it was very appropriate for Thanksgiving. I wanted to do a list of things that I am thankful of this year. I have so much to be thankful this year that I am not sure that I can list it all, but I will try.

1. A Savior that loved me enough to die for me


2. A Loving Husband


3. Fantastic Parents


4. Wonderful Extended Family


5. Great Friends


6. A Cute Dog


7. Health


8. Friends that I have met through Facebook and blogs


9. Our Church Family


10. A Roof over our heads


11. The ability to see a beautiful sunset


12. The ability to hear the birds as they chirp


13. Waking up to a new day


14. Hearing laughter around me


15. My new comedy ministry


16. That God allows me to love and care about others


17. Fed by Faith, Amanda's amazing new ministry


18. A Pantry full of food


19. Our Military


20. The Generosity of others


21. Our Country and the freedom that we have


22. Blessings that we don't deserve


23. The beauty of nature, that He created


24. Feeling loved by others


25. The ability to speak, and hopefully be an encourager to others

My list could go on and on, but these are just 25 things that I am thankful for not only this Thanksgiving season; but all year long. Blogspot probably couldn't give me enough space to write everything that I am thankful for this year. These are just some of the biggies, but I relish in the little things that makes up this circle of life. It is often through the little things that I see God's hand in my life and encourages me on day by day. Got a call from an old friend last night. It was so good to talk to him after not seeing them in 7 years. After I got off the phone, I thought, "I am thankful to have lived long enough to have old friends." It is not always the big things in life that brings us simple joys and pleasures....sometimes it is the little things.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Thankful Goodies

I just wanted to share some of my things that I have done and made for Thanksgiving or things that I have run across that are great. I love to surf the web for new ideas and recipes. One magazine that I would recommend for any mother or women is Family Fun Magazine. My doctor introduced me to this magazine about 6 years ago. I used lots of craft projects and snack recipes from the magazine with my Sunday School Class and Awana Class. Several of the things I am sharing on this blog came from that magazine.

I made Pumpkin Roll decorations this fall. They are very simple to make. They are from Family Fun Magazine online.

Materials
Toilet tissue rolls
Orange fabric or any fall printed fabric (22"x 18")
Brown paper bag
Fake ivy leaves


Set each roll in the center of a 22- by 18-inch piece of fabric, gather the fabric around it, and tuck the edges into the top hole.
For a stem, roll a strip of brown paper bag and twist and stick in top of toilet paper roll.
Then cut a little piece of ivy and stick in the hole.
These are fast and easy to make.

I went to Dollar General and bought their brand of tissue 4 rolls for $1. I bought enough for 8 pumpkins. AC Moore's and Micheal's sell fabric square in the exact size you need. My brown bags are the lunch bags. Quick and easy and very festive for fall.

This is a picture of a fall painting that I did about 4 or 5 years ago. I loved doing this project because it was a dry brush technique. I caught on faster to this technique that any other technique taught in my paint class. It was a fun piece to paint.

Fruit Gobbler from Family Fun Magazine. I love all their fun little snack ideas. Serve with crackers. After all the tail feathers (cheese and grapes) are eaten, slice the melon open. Make sure to have dip for the vegetables and the fruit

Ingredients

Bosc pear (head)
Melon (body)...honey dew
Cheese (beak and tail feathers)
Red pepper (snood, feet and side feathers)
Raisins (eyes)
Grapes (tail feathers)
Bamboo skewers
Toothpicks

Instructions

Stabilize the melon body by cutting a shallow slice off the rind to form a flat base. Using a section of bamboo skewer, attach a Bosc pear head to the melon, as shown.
Cut a cheese triangle beak and red pepper snood. Attach both, along with raisin eyes, to the head with sections of toothpick.
Cut red pepper feet and set them in place. For tail feathers, skewer cheese cubes and red grapes, then insert the skewers as shown. Pin pepper side feathers in place with toothpicks

This is my newest cookbook that I have gotten. It is loaded with recipes that have won 1st place at County and State Fairs. Last week I cooked 4 recipes out of this book. I got this book at Books-A-Million for only $7.97. That is cheap for a good cookbook now days. I am a club member, which meant I got an extra 10% off, but this day the club members got an extra 20% off. If you buy lots of books the Club Membership is well worth it's price. They also sell Hallmark Ornaments at BAM, and I collect these. I got several the day you got 20% off. The only thing you don't get the extra percentage off of is Rosita Stone and pre order books.

Pumpkin pies that I froze last weekend to have during all the holiday season. I wish I could tell you some grand recipe that I used, but it was off the side of the can of pumpkin. The taste is very good. Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie.

Banana Date Nut Bread...this is a recipe out of my new cookbook. It makes 2 loaves, so you can eat one and freeze one.

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup mashed bananas
1 cup finely chopped dates

1 cup nuts, walnuts or pecans

Preparation:
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a mixing bowl, beat the shortening until creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes with electric mixer. Gradually beat in sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat until thick and pale lemon in color. Add dates and nuts. Add flour mixture and bananas alternately, blending well after each addition. Grease bottom of a loaf pan and pour batter into pan. Bake at 350° for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 20 minutes then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

These are just a few things that you will find around our house this Thanksgiving season. Give some of these things a try. I always like to try new things and the Family Fun Magazine is a great source for fast, fun and easy craft and recipes.

I know everyone is gearing up for family to come in for the holidays or preparing to go to grandma's for a day of feasting. We will be going out to eat this Thanksgiving. It is just easier for us and less stressful on all. I do have a freezer full of goodies, plus some turkey dressing that I made ahead of time. I will probably buy a turkey breast to have for us to snack on and to make sandwiches out of. Also, Thanksgiving day is my daddy's birthday....Happy Early Birthday!!! I am going to get his present tomorrow....I know what I am buying, I just have to go and get it. It has been chaotic to say the less with Mark's mom being in the hospital, but God is good and sees us through it all. We are thankful that all has gone as well as it has thus far. We have lots to be thankful for, which might be tomorrow's blog.

BIG IMPORTANT UPDATE!!!

I now have a performance to wear my new outfit to that I mentioned in Nov 13th blog. I told you this was an important update. I got a red button up sweater that has black sequins and beads all over...very flashy. I then got a silky tank to wear under it. Pairing that with a pair of lettuce hemmed silky pants. Now the best part...I have a new pair of black lace heels that has red under the lace. How perfect is that. The best part about the shoes...they are new and were only a buck. Then this outfit will look great for my Valentine's gig as well. I told you this was important. lol

Talking!!!

I got up fairly early this morning and started preparing some breakfast.  Bacon and eggs for Mark and his dad and homemade Egg McMuffins for me.  It never takes that long to prepare breakfast because I do the bacon in the microwave...to me there is no other way to prepare bacon.  Mark's mom fell and broke her hip and has been in the hospital since Thursday night last week.  I know I haven't mentioned that in my blog until now, but that is because I had all my blogs preplanned.  I have to be organized or I can't function well.  She is doing better (the hip part anyway) and hopefully will be moved to rehab this week.


Mark's parents have a huge sunroom on the back of their house that over looks the woods and their pond.  I saw the biggest buck standing at the edge of the pond today.  He ever so slowly lowered his head to drink from the pond. (Mitchell you would have croaked at the size of this deer)  I would have loved to have gotten a picture, but the old blackberry doesn't zoom that far.  Shortly after he left, a crane swooped in and got a huge fish.  We have seen raccoons, deer, possum and lots more wildlife around the pond.

Went to the post office and there in my box was an envelope stuffed with coupons for Amanda.  I was thrilled.  To top it all off, Brooks had clipped them very neatly.  I just added them to the ones I had already clipped for Amanda.  I need to meet up with her and give her all my bags of goodies for Fed by Faith.  I love the name of the ministry that she started.  A big "Thank You" to Brooks Sears for taking the time to send the coupons.

Got 3 calls today to book me to come and perform my comedy  routine.  I am thrilled.  I have bookings now in December, January and February.  The Lord is really opening up doors for me.  I love it.  The last call I got today was a result of my website.  No referrals, just googled and found me.  Whew!!!  That $19.95 a month is already paying off.  That just tickled me down to the very depth of my soul.  I was searched and found on the internet....no autographs please. lol

Been working on my book this week, or fretting over it might be a better word.  I have outlined the book and pretty much have the story in my mind.  World War II plays a part in the story line and it causes me to fret.  Mark told me to quit worrying over it because it is not the deciding factor in the story.  His advice, "make the main thing the main thing".  Great advice, so I have quit worrying about that part.  I love to write and this is the 3rd attempt on a book.  The other 2 are in the round file along with rejected articles.  I finally hit upon something about my writing.  I am not technical (please I can't do big words) nor am I news worthy.  By news worthy, I mean writing about events and happenings don't appeal to me.  I write descriptive things that paint you a picture.  I like for you to read my stories and get a real picture in your head of what I am talking about.  I want you to taste the foods I describe and feel the hot sweltering July sun beat down on your back as though someone has a hot iron on you.  I also realized that some are just meant to write short stories, and some are meant to turn out the next great American Classic.  I think I am the short story girl, but  I am going to attempt this one last book.  The main reason for the attempt is because the story line is basically true but with a big twist of fiction. 

I am including a story that won a contest for me back about 12 years ago.  No money was involved just the honor of winning.  I have since revamped it a bit and got a little more descriptive in the details.

Yesteryear

By: Tracey Overby-Garner

I watched as black Carolina dirt slowly swirled down the drain. The last reminders of the work I had done that day. I lazily strolled to the porch remembering not to slam the screen door as I settled down in an old weather beaten rocker on the large expansion of the porch. My eyes lazily look over the corn fields that seems to have a never ending stretch. Their golden tassels standing tall as though lifting their arms in thankfulness to the abundant rain and sunshine. Fireflies buzz around as their light shines against the twilight of the evening. Frogs croaking down by the pond as if their song was being played to a sold out symphony crowd. Heaped up baskets of vine ripen tomatoes and golden yellow squash fill the porch waiting for the masterful hands to craft them into a scrumptious delight. The sounds and smells fill me with a nostalgia that makes my chest feels has though it will burst into a flurry of unforgettable delight. My body suddenly jerks as the subway comes to a halt, and I slowly come back to the reality of my life. The doors slowly slide open and unwillingly I rise to leave. Stepping out onto the hard cement and walking down the people laden street, bumping into total strangers that I will never know their names. I make my way to my dingy dark apartment as my heart aches for the times of yesteryear . No fresh cut grass to tantalize my nostrils announcing the arrival of summer. No daffodils peeking up from the ground as spring makes its grand entrance. My mouth waters as I think about those vine ripen tomatoes. Two pieces of Wonder bread all smothered in Duke’s mayonnaise with those crimson slices glistening in between. A tall slim glass of fresh squeezed lemonade to wash down that delight. My mind wanders to a time that was simpler that I had unconsciously tucked away in the far corners of my mind. What has it been? Five, ten no fifteen years since I left that little boy named Billy behind. How could I have let that much time pass without even a call? Without even as much as a card. In the recess of my mind, I see that young boy walking down the dusty lane with a well worn suitcase in hand, heading for the big city to make a name for himself. William he would be known as now to all the dignified personalities he would meet. He had made a name for himself, but at what cost? He had simply gained the whole world, but felt as if he had lost his own soul. Oh, how he had longed for something more than that little town could have given him all those years ago. Funny, now he longed for that little town and the finer things in life that only it held. The very things he rebelled against in that small town are now the very things his heart ached for. The neighbor helping you finish harvesting your fields before the big storm, even though his crops were still in the fields. Passing the day away visiting on the porches of friends who knew you better than you knew yourself. The smell of apples and cinnamon as a freshly baked pie cools on the sills. The speckled hound dog dancing around announcing the arrival of a visitor. Yes, by all counts those were the days. There is an ache in his heart that nothing in the city can even begin to heal. He rises slowly and lets out the breath that he had been holding. Picking up the phone he dials that far away land. “Mom, this is Billy. Can I come home?’

Favorites

In life we all have favorite things. Whether it is an old pair of shorts or a fancy restaurant. Today I thought that I would just share some of my favorite things in life. Nothing major and nothing like what Oprah does on her show (you will not be receiving one of everything I mention. lol). Just a simple list of what makes me happy. It doesn't take much to make happy although people believe because I am an only child I want everything . Part of that is true I love presents, but a bottle of lotion will satisfy me just as fast as a new shirt. The truth behind getting a present is the fact that someone was thinking of me. This list is of my favorite things and things that make me happy.

Orville Reddenbacher Simply Salted Popcorn

Old pair of green shorts, that has paint all over them

Chick-fil-a sandwich

The beach, listening to the waves crash

A drive through the mountains

A rainbow

My Kim Rogers turquoise sparkling shirt

Lewis and Clark waterproof shoes...they are so handy

Bouquet of spring flowers, but with sunflowers which is a contradictory of spring flowers

Seasonal flags

A beautiful sunrise and sunset

My favorite song coming on the radio

Kitchen Aid Mixer (don't have one, but would like one for Christmas)

Egg McMuffin

My little dog, Lilly

Mark's laugh (it is very hearty)

My mom and dad telling me that they love me

Spending the day with Mark

Stewart Orange Cream Soda (I love the key lime too, but they don't come in diet)

Fall Colors

Christmas (everything about the season)

Having things to be thankful for

Good friends

My Ecclissi Watch

Hallmark Ornament

Watching the birds at our feeders

Making cookies

A box of puff tissue

A big fluffy towel

Bath and Body Cotton Seed body wash

Estee Lauder Hydra Bright

Models Prefer eyebrow pencil

Mexican food

A Good Book

A Hand bell Choir

A Soul Stirring Sermon

Watching someone have a good time

Children laughing

Old photos

Hearing other people's stories

Isaiah 40:31

A walk on the beach

Liz Claiborne big rhinestone earrings

Mary Kay Salsa Red Lipstick

Conair Breast Cancer Hairbrush

My soft bed and pillow

Mark and I reminiscing over the past

A Rainy Day

Butterflies

Petunias

My Brother Label Maker

My Blackberry

Tanya Lee Quilted Purses

Lounge Pants

Pajama Days

Watching a good movie

Song Birds

Olives

Fa breeze

Snuggles Fabric Softener

Chocolate Milk

Ramen Noodles (crazy I know, but I love them)

A Funny Joke

A Good Road Trip

Coco Chanel

A long hot bath with bubbles

Having a husband who loves you

I love basically anything that brings joy and pleasure to others. The world is never easy and it is nice to have favorite things that bring happiness to your life. I hope that you will reflect on the little things that put a smile on your face or make you chuckle.

Life

This picture was taken right before we left for another pastorate. Life is ever changing and nothing should be taken for granted. I hope this blog today will help you see the significance of the little things and the big things in life.

"When you walk to the edge of the light that you have known, and you step into the darkness of the unknown. One of two things will happen. Either there will be something solid for you to stand on, or God will give you wings to fly." ~Patrick Owenton

The above quote was given to me at a "Shepherding the Shepherd" minister's family retreat in WV. At the time, I never knew how many times during life I would refer to this quote. Life has it's ups and downs, and at times it is never easy. There are times when we have gone through changes in life that we have found ourselves stepping onto something solid, and there are times we found ourselves with wings.


5 years ago we found ourselves in the darkness of the unknown and God gave us wings during this time. Mark was taken to Rex Hospital in Raleigh with a swollen hurting leg. The diagnoses was blood clots. I say clots, because there were many. Over 2 dozen in his lungs and too many in his legs to count. That September night in the ER my life flashed before me and then stopped. As the ER doctor so eloquently put the situation, "this is a grave and serious situation.". Then turned to leave us in our own shock. My heart felt heavy and alone, and I was scared for my husband. I left Mark alone to go and call people to let them know the situation. As I went through the double doors of the ER tears came gushing down my face. I made my calls, and tired to compose myself as I went back to be with Mark. ICU was our destination for the next 4 days at Rex. I left briefly to get things he needed only to be called back. He had a clot moving and heading straight for his heart. The verdict...he could die in the next 24 hours. They shared this news with only me, so I had the sole responsibility of shouldering this burden alone. To hear that the person that you love more than life itself might die is a heart wrenching experience. The clot stopped at his knee and looked to be dissolving. Things started to look up. Mark's ICU nurse was a pastor's wife, and she told me that during that time when the clot was moving never had she felt the presence of the Lord so strongly in a room. Only through God's mercy and grace do you survive this, because statically less than 5% do survive. During our 7 day stay at Rex, we found out that Mark has Factor 5 disease. A disease that just manufactures blood clots. Blood thinner would now be a life long friend. Over the next several weeks, God removed our wings and gave us something solid to stand on once again. Family and friends rallied around us, and our hearts swelled with the love we felt. Most of all, we felt the love of God. Through it all He never left us nor forsaken us. He stayed so close that you could feel His arms enveloping you as we struggled with this new unknown territory. His presence was so strong that others felt it as well. His mercy and grace were magnified through this time in our lives.


5 years have passed and for someone that shouldn't be living, Mark looks fantastic. Why did he go through all this? We don't have the answer. Only God knows the why. I know that our marriage grew even tighter and little things are never taken for granted anymore. The "it happens to other people" thoughts never cross our minds anymore, because it did happen to us. Is Mark lucky to be alive...NO, he is blessed to be alive. Luck is a game of chance, and it wasn't by chance that Mark survived...it was purely by Divine intervention by the Master Physician.


Life since then hasn't always been easy. At times we find ourselves standing on something solid and other times we find ourselves with wings. Through it all we have a God that loves us and sees us through the darkness of the unknown.

Mark on our wedding day. Thankful for the good times and bad times, the sickness and the health and the richer and poorer times that we have been through. Thankful for our 17 years together and look forward to many more years. I love you!!!

Findings

This week's treasure hunting turned up some pretty good finds. I still only got to visit one thrift store, but it is my favorite one.


Got Mark this Docker's sweater for only $1.50. All men's clothes were 1/2 off because they have tons of men's clothes.

I got this cute little cooler to carry our drinks and water in the car with us for $2. I thought it was a steal.

Mark a pair of jeans and another sweater for $2...for both things. Woohoo!!! Great deals.

A quilted purse for .75. I love these quilted purses with all the pockets on the inside.

Another cooler for only $2. If you have gone to buy a new cooler lately, so know that this was a super deal.

Black and Decker cordless handi mixer with all the attachments for only $2. I just looked at something kind of like this for $40 in the store. Deals!!! Deals!!! Deals!!!!

A mystery novel for .25. I think that I actually picked this up at the library. I was thrilled to get. I love mysteries.

Brand new Christmas soap dish and cup for the bathroom for only $1. I think that this might be a vintage set that was unused because the bottom is stamped Japan.

2 Christmas tins for .10 each. I will use these to put my own goodies in this Christmas season.

Cookie and decorating set that has never been opened for $1. I bought 2 tubs of cookie dough from the school, so now I have a reason to use this.

A beautiful puzzle for only a quarter, and you know how I love to put puzzles together.

An America sign to hang on my porch during 4th of July. I love to find plaques to decorate my porch with each season or holiday.

Don't think that I did too bad this week in finding my treasures. I love to hunt down the bargains.

Laughing All The Way

The past week, I have found myself with 2 engagements. I performed at the Parade of Tables Literacy Council Fundraiser in Elizabethtown and for the Seniors group at Victory Community Baptist Church. I had a blast at both events. I have been working on new material, so I don't just keep telling the same old funny stories. You wouldn't believe the material that the people of this world gives me everyday. A lady in Walmart calling her son Godzilla, because he won't answer to anything else. I thought to myself, give him 5 minutes with mom and he would answer to his correct name. I know this because I thought one time I would be called Wonder Woman when I was about 8, but she set me straight about what my real name was and what I would be answering to. Everyone laughed, so I think that they had a great time. I have up graded my website...so check it out.
www.laughingwithtracey.com



Me performing at the fundraiser in my sparkling shirt. I love this shirt, it is one of my performance shirts.

Me and Sunday McIntyre Allen, who invited me to come and perform at the fundraiser. She hasn't changed a bit since I saw her give up her Miss Pender County crown.

They had a hand bell choir at the fundraiser, and I just told Mark that I would love to hear a hand bell choir.....how cool was that.

One of the many beautiful tables that were decorated at the fundraiser. They were so elegantly set.

This was the table that we sat at during the fundraiser. It was the Christmas table, and if you know me......I love Christmas so I was happy to be sitting at this table.

Again...me. Our blackberries takes great pictures except if you move and you know that I can't be still. I am still sparkling. I bought a new shirt last weekend with huge jewels at the neckline for performances as well.

The hand bell choir provided our dinner music. They were great and very talented. I could never be in that choir....not enough rhythm. The dinner was great as well....pork loin, roasted vegetables, green beans, rolls and dessert.

A group that sang at the Seniors Luncheon that I attended at Victory

Some of the ladies that attended the luncheon. They had a feast over there with fried chicken, ham, mac and cheese, green beans, corn and lots more things. Plus they had this great sweet potato dish that I am including the recipe at the end.....it was delish!!

Patty Chriscoe, the lady who started my comedy ministry when she asked me to come and do something funny for their Women's Conference in August. She helped change my life. Thanks Patty!!!

They sang "Somebody Loves Me", which was funny to me. The reason it was funny was that Mark and I were singing that song just last week, and one phrase says, "somebody tells me not to repine". We didn't know exactly what repine meant, so we googled it. It means not to worry or fret.

This is the sweet potato dish that I was telling you about, and boy was it good. I took a picture of the very last one.


Sweet Potato Dumplings

1 can flaky biscuits

sweet potatoes (2)

2 c water

2 sticks of margarine

2 c sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

dash of salt

Cut sweet potatoes into 1/4" pieces...use raw sweet potatoes. These will look like little disk. Divide the biscuit and roll out each half and wrap sweet potato in half of biscuit. Melt margarine in baking dish. Place biscuit wrapped potatoes in pan and flip it around in the margarine, so it is coated good. Then bring water, sugar, cinnamon and salt to a boil and pour boiling syrup over the potatoes. Bake for 45 minutes at 350. You might need to keep an eye on these as some ovens bake faster. This will make 20 dumplings.