Tracy Tells

The Journey!!!

2012-01-21T07:23:00.000-05:00

I started a new page on Facebook called The Journey. It is a page dedicated to those who are on a weight loss journey or a lifestyle change journey. You hate to call it a diet now days. I have struggled with weight for at least the last 20 years. I would lose 30 lbs and gain 50 lbs back. My weight was up and down when I went to the doctor. One time I would have lost 10 lbs the next time I had gained 8 lbs. Never consistant in my lifestyle of eating. Being married to a pastor didn't help matters....churches love to eat. Also, my Southern heritage was a problem...southerns fix every problem with food, every celebration with food, every milestone with food and "Y'all come over and we'll cook something up good."

So I start Weight Watchers in June of 2011. To date I have lost 40 lbs. Not exactly flying off, but it slowly leaves...it didn't jump on all at once. I am a work in progress, and I have down falls (like cheetos), but I do try to turn bad habits into good. No more fried foods, lots of veggies and fruits and no more mindless calories (still working on the cheetos part) and I am trying hard to implement dairy into my diet. I am happy with my weight loss even if another pound didn't come off, and some days I think it just might not. LOL I feel a hundred times better....I can walk and not give out of breath. I can bend and squat lots better. Over all better feeling.

I tell people that I am no expert when it comes to maintaining a weight loss page, but I will cheer you to death. I did find out early in our ministry that if I don't posses any other gift in the world, I am an encourager. I am not an eloquent speaker or the best suited to teach, but I will make you feel special and let you know you can accomplish anything you set your mind too.

The journey continues and will probably never end for me. I struggle day to day just like everyone else. I learned at Weight Watchers that when you do mess up you don't need to wait until tomorrow or next week to get back on track...get back on track with your next meal.

If you are on Facebook, and you are walking this journey along come and join our page...we would love to have you.

Wondering!!!!

2012-01-20T06:40:00.000-05:00

Why is it that when someone doesn't like the church, they continue to use and abuse their generosity? We don't like that church, but we will take anything they will give us. As Christians they should want to give, and we will take all. Sometimes this is not just the unchurched, but often times it is the very attenders of the church.

Why it is when people are anti Christian and bad mouth Christians, they are the first to ask one to pray for them or their situtation? But as soon as the crisis is over the bad mouthing continues. God is not a band-aid to just to fix problems and be there only when you need something.

These are a few things I don't understand. I know that we should give and pray for those who ask. I am not talking about not giving or praying for them, but what makes people act like this.

Again, why do some Christian act like this? They don't like this church or church member or pastor, but they will continue to take from them. I don't understand. Sounds hypocritical to me. I am just trying to figure out motive or ideology behind their thinking. To me if I didn't like someone, I sure wouldn't impose on their generous nature. This has happened personally as well...I say personally. My husband was a pastor, and you hear what people say about you, and then they call you wanting you to pray for them or go see someone...after they have talked about you in the most disrespectable fashion. As a Christian and pastor you pray and go do what they ask...why? Because you have a heart for people and God has called you to minister....you esssentially are better than they are, in the sense that you are not petty and don't care what people say. In reality you do care, you are human and have feelings. The old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." That is a big old honking lie...words hurt, and their hurt at times can run deep.

I know that Jesus was persucuted and we will be as well, but there are times I want to stand and shout, "I am not going to take this abuse anymore." The church gives and gives and yet it is run down in the ground by some. Don't people realize that talking about one church hurts the cause of Christ, we are not in competition,but all the body of Christ. Okay, I am getting into a whole other subject, but it is just irking me right now. Noone church is better than another. Size doesn't matter, programs don't matter and the building doesn't matter....what matters is the message. Jesus died to forgive us of our sins!!! He came to give us life and give it more abundantly!!!

I guess in this world there will be givers and takers. It just saddens me to see takers that I feel don't really understand the love of God or His people.

What Does It Mean????

2012-01-18T04:28:00.000-05:00

I see the term used so often today, "I am a follower of Christ." Which to be honest disturbs me. The reason this disturbs me so much, because most people that use this term don't fully believe the entire bible, disregards miracles in the bible and I have found generally interprets the bible to fit anything in their life at the moment....they also are not faithful to the church or the doctorine of the bible (this has been my observation on some) and some have never accepted the Lord as their Savior (let me just say this is based on some who I have talked to...not all) It is like they are still searching for something. Saying that I am a follower of Christ is like saying, "I am following Jennifer Aniston on Twitter or someone you don't know on Pinterest because you like "some" of their ideas." You don't know Jennifer Aniston or this person on pinterest, but a few of their ideas or their life intrigues you. Jesus didn't die for you to follow Him around and watch and learn at a distance. He died to save us from our sins, to have a PERSONAL relationship with us. I like the phrase that I am a Child Of God (it may sound old fashion to some), but He is my Heavenly Father. And if someone is your Father, you are not His follower; but rather His child. I am a Christian!! What is wrong with that phrase...I am a believer in Christ...still a little sketchy to me...I believe in a lot of things, but doesn't mean I have a personal realationship with them. Myself and all those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior have be bought with His blood that was shed for you and me. The term follower is just too loose for me...you might as well say I am following the tides of the ocean or the green van in front of me. It also sound noncommittle to me. Like I am following Him and checking Him out to see if that is really the way I want to go. In general, I am not impressed by the phrase nor does it make me think you more spiritual or closer to God than anyone else. It does make me think that you use it in a general way as not to offend anyone on what you think about God. If you have ever watched the Passion of Christ, then you have some idea of what Jesus went through for us. Don't generalize your beliefs, lay them out in plain english and let people know what Christ did for us, so that we may have eternal life. Take a bold stand!!! Generalizing where you stand with God is an insult to Him. Let people know that you a Child of God purchased through the blood He shed for you on Calvary...not just a follower, who is looking to hop on the train at a convenient time (this is how it sounds to me). I am sure lots will disagree. You will disagree with me and take a stand on why you like that term, and how I am so wrong about you. But better yet, stand a strong firm stand in the eyes of the world, they are the ones who are living in darkness. They need a beacon of light...that comes from that personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not someone who just says, "Yes, I am a follower of Christ." Don't be ashame that you know God in an intimate way.

Now this is my take on this blog....this writing is my opinion, and you can agree or disagree. But here is why I shared. I too try so hard not to offend people, but not anymore as far as where the Lord is concerned. Time is short, and people are in need of a Savior and I am not doing my duty by tip toe around the situation and not mincing words, and trying so hard not to offend or make them feel uncomfortable. The truth is sin is sin and you and disguise it, disregard it or ignore it...but it is still there. The truth is Jesus died for your sins....all you have to do is call upon the name of the Lord and you shall be saved. America and this whole world needs more Christians to call themselves what they really are...Christian, Children of God and a soul that has been purchased by the precious blood of the Lamb. He's not ashamed of you, so don't you be ashamed of Him.

New Phone Mishaps!!!

2012-01-16T20:55:00.000-05:00

I spent most of Friday afternoon with a wonderful employee of US Cellular named, Ruth Graham....no relation to Rev. Billy Graham or Rev. J. Billy Graham in Moore County (I asked). I finally took the plunge and got a smart phone. How ironic that a dummy got a smart phone. Ruth took time and showed me how to use it, but my ADD/HD kicked in during instruction time....They have a plant that has lots of dead leaves on it and they are falling all over the carpet. Okay, so that is why I don't know how to use my phone. I did finally today learn how to answer it...they almost hung up before I figured out how to answer, and I can't promise that I can answer it again. I can look on Facebook and take a picture with the camera. It has more features than our van. The one thing that I did master was the GPS....almost, just read the following story:

Okay, so I got this new phone..and don't know how to use anything but the GPS. Yesterday while at Carolina BBQ, I was showing my dad how it looked just like his Garmin. I popped in my home address to show him...I think he was impressed...I need to add that my knowledge of the GPS is limited. I put my phone in my purse and head to the restroom. To my horror in the restroom my phone starts yelling, "Recalculating, recalculating." Turn left in 200 ft." I have no idea how to stop it, and it keeps repeating. Then I just hear this big old cackle from another stall. At least I gave some a good laugh. I still don't know how to turn the GPS off. LOL

After pushing many buttons...I still don't know how to turn the GPS off, but it went off. Mark finally asked me today, "Aren't you going to watch the DVD that came with the phone?" I said yes, but I wanted to try and figure it out by myself first. I am learning...I can use the camera, pull up WW restaurant guide to see how many points and play word search, but using it for it's intended purpose...to talk to people...not so much.

Fake Church Signs!!!!

2012-01-14T05:05:00.000-05:00

As I hear things on the news and read the newspaper, I think to myself a lot...what in the world is going on??? I mean there are so many things that just don't shock me anymore. They don't shock me, but still I wonder why??? Why people do the things that they do, and where do they get the time. This really came into play when my husbands boyhood church made national news with their church sign this week.

Someone photo shopped their sign to read as the following:

I am talking about a church that is not on the main road and even though I know where it is located, I still have to follow the signs to get there. It is a country church!!! Why in the world would someone do this??? Not enough activities to fill their time? For laughs? Publicity? There have been many speculations as to why, but it comes down to common decency and respect for God's property (which this world seems to have none). This is what their sign really read:

Pastor Barbery stands beside the real message that Beulah Hill Baptist Church is sending. The sign is locked and everything. If you examine the two signs closely, you will notice the fonts are different. Now this pastor has to spend a lot of his time defending his church and members. On a good side, their church has been packed since this has happened, and maybe a golden opportunity to share the gospel while he is being interviewed by so many. What satan meant for evil, God turns it around for good.

Publicity has not been a problem. Just mention a church, pastor or the word Christian and the media comes running. Papers, such as the Moore County paper, The Pilot, has ran this story. As well as, The Fayetteville Observer, not to mention a host of websites, and a snippet on Fox News. This all started with TMZ running this photo shopped picture. Not just the fact that a church was used, but a person and their baby was mentioned with such disregard to the new life that was just born (and I don't care that it was a celebrities baby, they have feelings and emotions as well). America is so far down in a pit of filth it is not even funny. Why say this about an innocent baby plus use God's house to say it??

This started out to inform everyone about a fake church sign, but I think the real story here is just how far America has sunk into an abyss of no morals, ethics, conscience or regard to human decency anymore.

Real Food V/S Fake Food!!!

2012-01-13T12:55:00.000-05:00

I am watching the 700 Club the other week (I love watching Skinny Wednesday's) when they show this skinny blonde chick on their talking about her latest book. It is called, "Skinny Chicks Eat Real Food."

Naturally after watching the show, and hearing all these great things that certain foods can do, I bought the book. I understand where she is coming from in the book, but get real. The book is basically about processed foods and how harmful they can be. I understand that, but we are talking about canned food, frozen foods and even meats. I don't have time or the money to run around and look for grain fed and organic food....I don't have kids, so imagine a mom of 4 trying to fit this into her time frame of all that leisure time that she has. LOL

I make a spinach, grilled chicken pizza, that I think is healthy...only 6 Weight Watcher points in a slice...that is a big slice. But according to this chick the only thing good on my pizza is the spinach (and only then if is organic). I buy the grilled chicken already cooked...a no no. I buy the whole wheat pizza dough....a no no. Not to mention the canned tomato sauce and the cheese....BIG no no's.

So, according to this book...I should be letting the yeast rise and making my own dough with some kind of flour that I have never heard of....buying fresh tomatoes and making my own tomato sauce. Plus, getting some organic, free range chicken and grilling it myself to get the full benefits of eating "real food". WHO HAS THAT KIND OF TIME???????

I say give me Sandra Lee with some semi homemade ideas any day. I want my short cuts to preparing meals. I want it to look like I have slaved away in the kitchen all day, but it reality I had time to read, go for a swim and still present a fabulous meal.

I am not saying this book isn't right on target, there are lots of extra things in our food at the grocery store. I am just saying that I would have to become a professional chef to prepare our meals. I would stay in the kitchen all day prepping for meals, because you can't buy those short cut veggies and fruits that are already cut for you....that is a no no. There are a few things that after reading what goes into them during processing I will give up. But for now, I will probably be eating more "fake food" than "real food".

Christmas Cheer!! Bah!! Humbug!!!

2011-12-13T16:39:00.000-05:00

Mark and I decided to do a little Christmas shopping. After a nice lunch, we set out to have a great time buying some little gifts for each other. With my list in my hand, I am humming along with the 12 Days of Christmas and just full of Christmas cheer. First of all, a lady jumps in front of me and grabbed the buggy I was reaching for....there were lots of others. Then a lady just about runs me over to reach the dollar bin....which has about nothing in it....ooh, big bargain...NOT!!! Two people stepped on my foot with no apologizes (we won't even mention the parking lot). I finally got my gifts and checked out. I decided to go to the snack bar for a drink and wait for Mark. One lady almost pushed me out of the way to get in front of me in line....that made her number 2 in line...it wasn't like it was a long line. Then she pushed the lady in front of her, who turned and they had words. All this was happening while Christmas carols were playing in the background. The whole time I am think what in the world happened to spreading Christmas cheer??? I felt like I was in a fast forward world while I was on normal speed. Maybe some people just wait too late to start their shopping...who knows, but the Grumpy's were out full force. We got popcorn and left and came home were Christmas cheer is abundant and Scrooge is ban.

Community Icon!!!

2011-12-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we said goodbye to a community icon here in our neighborhood. Mr. Ed Wilson lost his battle with cancer. It hit me pretty hard, as the Wilson's have always been in my life here in the Riley's Creek Community. I can't ever remember not seeing them or hearing about them once I moved away. I immediately started crying when I saw the wreath on the door. My world is once again changed. The Wilson's sit in front of us at church, and I enjoyed watching Ms. Glenn punch Mr. Ed to make sure he is awake. The dynamics of our community have changed once again.

Mr. Ed Wilson

You see, my first job was at Wilson's Supermarket. I went in on Monday after getting my license to apply for a job. Mr. Wilson & Mrs. Wilson were there in the office (a rarity even at that time). The manager didn't look like he was going to hire me, but Mr. Wilson told him, "You better hire this little girl. I've known her since she was this high."....his hands went up to about 2 feet. Mr. Tootoo immediately hired me on Mr. Wilson's recommendation, and I started working that night. Many times I would check the Wilson's out as they bought groceries. My job gave me freedom and responsibility that helped prepare me for adulthood.

Me at 16 in my Wilson's smock. I had received flowers while at work, Mr. Tootoo, the manager took this picture.

I can remember the store they had at Long Creek. As a very young child, we would go there and buy groceries. It was a sad day when that old building was torn down as well. Wilsons, home of the country boys....that was their motto.

I actually found this photo of a name tag on the internet. Just wanted to share a piece of Americana of yester year.

Not long ago Mr. Wilson got to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC. It was to take the veterans to see the WWII memorial. He was so excited about that experience. He told me all about how great they treated them, and how he felt as he saw the memorial. He was proud to have served his country. I immediately thought of song that Janet Paschal sings yesterday when I knew of his passing.

Strike up the band

Assemble the choir

Another soldier's coming home

Another warrior hears the call he's waited for so long

He'll battle no more

But he's won his wars

Make sure Heaven's table has room for at least one more

Sing a welcome song

Another soldier's coming home

Yesterday, the angel's sang a welcome song as another soldier went home. We will miss you Mr. Ed, but heaven was waiting for your arrival.

A Good Exhaustion!!!

2011-12-09T09:49:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in a few weeks, but I have been super duper busy. I have literally fallen into bed every night for weeks and not even caring if make up was off or on. LOL

The ladies ministry team of our church planned a very elegant Christmas Tea for this past Sunday. As you know, these things just don't happen by themselves. We have met every week since October to plan. We collected china for this event, so I have scoured every thrift shop every week in Moore County. I was successful on some days, and some days...I just found things for myself. I am happy to report that the tea was a huge success. We had close to 100 ladies to attend. Becky Lee sang, and as always she brought laughter and excitement to our event. Mrs. Herchenhahn gave her testimony and it really hit home with lots of our ladies.

Such elegant tables were set.

Becky Lee gets us rocking with her song.

Our ladies have a great time.

After the tea on Sunday, Mark and I attended our Deacon and Wives Christmas dinner on Monday night. I got to go and just enjoy this event. We were asked to speak and sing at this event. It was very nice, and I am honored that God has chosen us to serve Him in this area.

Our Youth Pastor and Wife, Jeff & Ashley. We just love them so much. They are the perfect fit for RCBC.

Enjoying each others fellowship.

The chairman, Jody, is all smiles.

Well, after those two events, we still weren't finished. The Silver Threads Christmas party was the next day. We had a great meal, candlelight service and a game that was a hoot. We played Guess that Baby?? It was great. We had 37 to attend, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.

They are trying to guess those babies!!!

Some came festive and ready to have a great time.

They look like they could be at a Valentine's party....lovey dovey.

Who is that baby????

29 pictures were submitted...great participation.

Fellowshipping with one another.

Great turn out!!!

A packed weekend, but it was so much fun. I was exhausted when everything was over, but it was totally worth it!!!

Thankful Heart!!!

2011-11-24T22:49:00.002-05:00

This day, I find myself thankful for many things. There are so many things that it would take me too long to list them all. I am thankful for my salvation. That I have the blessed assurance in knowing that my place in heaven is secure. I am thankful for Mark. He has always loved me and been there for me. He is my best friend, husband, sounding board, guinea pig (I try everything out on him) and my everything as life comes at us. I am thankful for my parents. Thankful that they always love and support me. Thankful for the way they raised me...I am a product of their raising. I am thankful for my in laws. They have all accepted me and treated me like their own since dating Mark. I have never felt like an outsider, but part of a loving family. I am thankful for my church family and our pastor. They are supportive in love and prayers. I am thankful for the life God has given us. For the experiences we have had and for how life lessons has allowed us to learn and grow.

To all who read this blog...I am thankful for you too!!!

Just Say No!!!

2011-11-23T10:15:00.002-05:00

Just say NO!!!! That is my motto to Black Friday. One reason is that I am finished with my shopping. I know for 12 months that Christmas is coming, so why would I wait and stress over not having enough money or spend my time running around like a chicken with my head cut off???

Spending hours staying in line and racing around massive amounts of people while grabbing what everyone thinks is a terrific bargain is not for me. I have never seen anything on sale on Black Friday that would make me get up early and stand in line. I personally catch sales all year long and use coupons. I have over 35 people that I buy for during Christmas, so I have to be crafty in getting a very nice gift while being frugal. This trick is to get something really nice and expensive for cheap. I managed to do that this year. I bought toys that originally cost $30 for like $5 to $10. I watch for sales then I scour for coupons and rebates for that item. Now for the holidays, I can take my money and do little things for people who aren't expecting anything. So, while you are standing in line and then getting disappointed because the item you came to get is gone....I will be sleeping snug as a bug in a rug in my bed.

The Bird!!! The Bird!!!

2011-11-22T03:28:00.000-05:00

I'm dreaming of a golden brown crisp turkey laying on a platter. For me it is all about the bird on Thanksgiving. Not that I am not thankful for anything, but I am talking about food (my favorite thing to talk about). You can have the stinking green bean casserole that looks like vomit (French's just need some way to peddle those onions). You can have bowls of heaped up mashed potatoes, trays of deviled eggs, pans of dressing and enough cranberry sauce to feed and army, but without the bird....your table is naked. LOL The turkey just makes the table scream, "We are having Thanksgiving dinner." I have visions of the knife slicing through the juicy breast of the turkey, the tearing off of the leg and the golden skin (sorry Dr. Oz, a little skin won't kill you.) If that would kill you, my mom and I would be dead. We love that golden crisp skin. I envision mounds of turkey smothered with my mom's famous (to me it is the BOMB!!) gravy. I will dream of sugar plums after Thursday. Enough of this, my mouth is watering and I still have 2 days to go!!!

We found this photo in Mark's parents huge pile of pictures. We posted it for our family to identify the people in the photo. The response we got, "Looks like a bunch of turkeys to me...must be the Garner Family." LOL Sadly no one has clue to the identity of the people in the photo, but I must say those birds would be mighty tasty all baked up.

Life!!!

2011-11-21T10:36:00.000-05:00

I recently found my senior book that I journaled in back in 1989. I had to laugh as one page was about your future. The things I wrote about how my life would be in 5 years from graduating high school and then in 10 years from graduating high school. It is very evident that math is not my strong point, because my one prediction was that after 10 years of graduating I would have 10 kids and I would also be a doctor. Either math is not my strong point as I said or I thought I really was Wonder Woman. LOL

Life happened nothing like I wrote back when I was 18. Actually at 21 I found myself marrying the love of my life. The past 19 years have been an adventure to say the least. We have served at 4 full time churches and 1 interim. We have lost children and we have both been faced with the fact that we could die. Mine was in 2002 when I got an infection in my blood and it was poisoning my entire body. Mark faced death in 2004 when he had multiple blood clots in his leg and lungs. Both these experiences changed the way we looked at life. It is so precious and also very fleeting. We re-evaluated the way we were living life. How we were sacrificing our time and we set out to change things. We are not promised tomorrow, and I am guilty of sometimes trying to cram a lot of things in a small time frame...I think due to the fact that I know tomorrow is not promised.

During our 19 years of marriage, we have lived numerous places and have met some interesting people along the way. We have thrown caution to the wind and jumped off and done things...some stupid and some that resulted in fun times. As I read my senior book, I have no regrets that things didn't turn out as I had hoped as an 18 year old kid. At 40, I think my life has turned out pretty good, and I wouldn't change a thing.

Sorry Thanksgiving, It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!!!

2011-11-20T15:46:00.000-05:00

I know that is not even Thanksgiving and here I am putting out Christmas things. I got my table set for Christmas and I put out my little Christmas tree that I told you about a few blogs back. My Godmother made this tree in ceramic's. It was actually made the year I was born, so it is only 30, I mean 40 years old. She even gave me little boxes that she had wrapped like presents that go under the tree. I wondered how old they were, as some feel brittle. It is my prize possession this year. Later today my Willow Tree Nativity (gifts from Mark and my parents over the years) will take it's place on the shelf.

I love this little Christmas tree. It brings back a lot of memories...mostly, "look, but don't touch". LOL I have always loved the fact that she painted the snow on it.

This is what the tree looks like with no lights on. It is prettier in person, but I couldn't resist taking a picture with the lights off.

The vintage elves that Nanny Sizemore gave me. These were a very welcome surprise when I found them down in the box.

More vintage decorations. This candles are so heavy. I love them. I am cherishing all the things that she gave me.

If you know anything about me, you know that I love a bargain, and I am not shame to admit it. People get rid or throw away great things all the time, I just hope I am there to get the good stuff. LOL I set my kitchen table for Christmas last night. As I was reminiscing where I got things, I realized that nothing on my table cost me over $1. From thrift stores I got 4 chargers for $1, 4 Christmas plates for $1, two red shimmering candles, new in box, for only a quarter, pair of candle holders for fifty cent, a matching Christmas platter for $1, a set of 4 Lennox napkin rings for fifty cent (new in box), matching sugar and creamer for $1, matching salt and pepper for $1, gold placemats (6) for $1 and 6 napkins that matched my holly theme for a quarter. The table runner was in a bag sale, and the whole bag was $1. For a grand total of $8 spent for my table decorations. I know some people think that I spend money all the time. Well, most of my things come from thrift or vintage stores or even yard sales. Clothes from the thrift store hang in my closet as well as some from Belk's red dot sale (only red dot items). I hardly ever spend over $5 for a shirt or no more than $12 for pants at the store. This is getting off the subject of Christmas, but not really. I recently bought a burgundy velvet dress at the thrift store for $5. It is from Cold Water Creek. Got it home and it still had the tag on it, and someone paid $137 for this dress and didn't even wear it. I will be wearing it to the Christmas Tea. Being frugal during the year allows me to do the extra little things that people love so much. I have special Christmas projects in the works as I type this...you will see later.

My simple elegant, but cheap table. LOL

I want some glasses or maybe cups and saucers to match. I did find some glasses, but they wanted $5 for only 4 glasses, and I refused to pay that price. It is fun to hunt and add to your treasures.

Changes, and I Don't Like Them!!!

2011-11-19T07:09:00.000-05:00

I love this song that Patty Loveless sang several years ago, because I thought it just summed up life, and how I feel about change at times. There is time when change brings happiness, but often it brings tears and heart ache.

"Mama whispered softly, Time will ease your pain

Life's about changing, nothing ever stays the same

And she said, How can I help you to say goodbye?

It's OK to hurt, and it's OK to cry

Come, let me hold you and I will try

How can I help you to say goodbye?"

It seems lately that I have said goodbye to lots of friends, family and just people in general. We say goodbye every time we move somewhere different. We say goodbye to friends we have grown to love and can't imagine not seeing everyday. Then we say goodbye to those who we will never see again until heaven. We say goodbye to family as they move across the country. We get scattered in winds of life. Nothing stays the same, and it stinks!!! I recently took a trip to my Godmother's, and there were 14 children in that family (my grandmother being one of them), and now only 3 are living. Both my grandmother's have gone on. Mark's parents are in a reverse role to where we look after them, and they seem more like the child instead of the parent. Even our little once vibrant rambunctious little Shih-tzu is now blind and deaf. My goodness even I have changed....I am still stinking 40 years old. As you can see I have still not accepted this age with grace and dignity. Just last night I told Mark that for the first time, I felt my age and pretty much looked it last night (I had a frightful experience in the mirror at Mama Fu's) Although, I am still trying to figure out just what 40 looks like. Change hits you all the time, and quite frankly, I am tired of the bad changes. People who once played a vital part of our life is no longer around. People are getting older and in some case very frail, and that just stinks as well. But over all, change is a part of life. Some change is good and some...well it stinks!!! I am trying to learn to not take for granted the things and ways I know now, because I never know when they will change. But there is hope!!! Jesus is always the same.

Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." He is never changing in an ever changing world. His promises are ones that we can bank on....He never breaks a promise.

So, no matter how much life changes, God is in control. Through life's changes brings strength, determination and if we allow it; it brings full reliance on God.

In the Moment!!!

2011-11-18T11:50:00.000-05:00

I was watching Oprah's Life Class the other day, on this particular show really hit home. I don't always watch Oprah or agree with everything she says, but I like to keep an open mind and not alienate things; as there are some good in lots of things.

Her topic was living in the moment, and how many of us don't do this. I immediately realized that I was guilty of this. I can't really enjoy the time that I am in for thinking ahead 2 or 3 weeks out of other things that I have to do. It really spoke to me because as much as I love fall, I am to preoccupied with the Christmas Season to enjoy fall and all the colors God has painted in our landscape. I am half listening to people talk because I am thinking of where I need to be going or something I need to be doing. I can't even enjoy shopping at a store for trying to hurry and get to the next store I am going to. I came to the conclusion after listening to this show that I needed to slow down and enjoy the moment that God had given me. We are not promised tomorrow, so I might as well quit trying to live in a future that I am not promised.

Fall!!!

2011-11-17T18:41:00.000-05:00

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the vibrant colors as the leaves change from green to hues of orange, red and yellow. I love feeling the nip in the air....although I haven't felt that too much this year. I love planting mums (even though I refer to them as funeral flowers) and I love picking out my pumpkins and bringing out all my turkeys.

I waited almost too long to catch any really good pictures

There is still a little color left this fall

I have always wanted to rake up big piles of leaves and go running and jumping in them. At 40, I don't see myself doing this, but I thought these leaves would make an awesome pile...if I would rake them up.

Great leaves to rake and jump in

Another thing about fall is that is starts the holiday season, and with the holidays comes fun and festivities. I love this time of year so much.

Unexpected Blessings!!!

2011-11-16T18:18:00.000-05:00

As we go through life, we often pray for specific things to happen. We find ourselves praying for what we want and just how we want it to happen. I laugh at that as I type this blog, because I can't imagine me doing that...but it so true. It seems like we really trust God to supply our needs, but then I sit back and think how I prayed and I am really telling God just how to supply my needs. Not sure that constitutes trust on my part.

Here is my story on this very subject. As you know, we take of my in laws who in their 80's and have found themselves in rapidly declining health. As you can imagine or know first hand, when old age and declining health takes place....it takes money or more money to keep up with all the bills.

We recently found ourselves with an dwindling bank account. This was an account that we were counting on to take us through 2 years of care for my in laws. But with 3 hospitalizations, insurance premium's, car repairs and the removal of a dead tree....our money was quickly vanishing.

We did have an ace in the hole so to speak. An adjoining neighbor had expressed an interest some time back in purchasing some land from us. He was contacted that we were ready to sell, and guess what??? It takes time to sell and to also see if you can afford to buy land in this bad economy. Our prayers have been, "Lord, please let him buy this land quickly." We have prayed so hard the last 2 weeks about this land deal. All the while our money is quickly disappearing as one or more catastrophe's seems to come our way. With no word about if the land is going to sell, our prayers sound more like..."Please let the man call today saying he has the money." My sister in law calls on Tuesday, and I am anxious to hear that he had called and the sale is a go. He has not gotten back with her, but she has other news. There has been an account sitting around that we didn't know about that had enough money in to see us through several more months for their care. I find myself in awe that once again God answers my prayer about the money issue, but He has His own plan of how it will be answered. The land issue is still being discussed, but it His own time and in His own way God supplies our needs. It was definitely an unexpected blessing!!!

Mike's Farm!!!

2011-11-12T07:48:00.000-05:00

Last night we went to Mike's Farm with the Seniors from our church, other wise known as the Silver Threads.

Mike's Farm is this wonderful hidden treasure that sits really in the middle of no where. When I say no where, how many people have heard of Back Swamp, NC??? It is a restaurant, bakery, gift shop, hay ride plus an agricultural education experience.

Mike's Farm is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. The main reason I like to go is the food. They serve you family style, which means that they bring bowls and platters of food to your table and will keep bringing has long as you want. In a nut shell, it is a fancy way of saying it is all you can eat. Their menu includes: fried chicken, pork lion and gravy, green beans, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, corn and country ham biscuits...let's not forget dessert. You can even have more than one dessert...YUM!!!

Our Silver Thread group is waiting to get in and feast on some country cookin'.

Getting ready for them to bring on the vittles.

A little fellowship time before the meal.

Mark and I enjoy being the senior coordinators this year. I hope they are having a good time with us. We have lots more outings and fun times planned in the future.

Memories!!!

2011-11-11T07:45:00.000-05:00

I get a call that my 90 year old Godmother is selling her house, now that that she and her 88 year old brother are living together in his house. This statement within itself just stops me dead in my tracks. I start thinking about all the times I had spent there and the memories that flood my mind every time I walk into her house. My Godfather, Papa Sizemore, passed away my senior year in high school, but I can still walk into that house and smell those cherry cigars he smoked. I can still see him sitting in his chair with that cute little grin on his face. The call is to tell me to come and get anything I want out of the house, plus the things that she has already put aside for me. My mind automatically goes to three things I want. Blue Boy and Pinkie statues, the white ceramic cat that sat on the hearth and a cigar box.

Blue Boy and Pinkie stood on a table in their house for as long as I can remember. I remember back as far as 4 years old going there. These say that they were made in 1973. They are ceramic.

This cat sat on the hearth of the fireplace. She made it in 1978. I was only 7 years old.

One of Papa Sizemore's cigar boxes.

When I think of Papa and Nanny Sizemore's home those three things have always been there.

When I get to her house, she tells me to look around and take whatever I want. I feel like a vulture swooping down. It is awkward to say the least as she is standing there watching me choose and discard her things. There are many things I want...like the painting she did of an onion crying, the paintings of lemons, strawberries and mushroom she painted when I was just a baby. I wanted things she had made or that were special to her.

This was always my favorite painting that she did. The little onion crying.

Another favorite of mine.

I always thought this should have been in a children's book. It just seems to have a story that has never been told.

The beautiful strawberries. All these paintings were painted in the early to mid '70's.

I often wonder if seeing her paintings is what inspired me to take painting classes several years ago. That was a stretch for me because I can't draw, but I could paint.

This is actually a painting that I did in 2004. I always liked Nanny Sizemore's wall of fruit. I wonder if that is why I picked this to paint.

She found me 2 cigar boxes that were Papa Sizemore's, and I promise you that you can still smell the cigars. There were little trinkets here and there that I took. Then she brought out my most prized possession that I took home....all her recipes. I am talking boxes of recipes...hand written. Some of these recipes were from family members who had left us years ago. Some were even from my grandmother (my Godmother is my Grandmother's sister). This is my dad's side of the family, and on that side there are little people. When we use to have family reunions, I would be mad because these little people would not play with me....I thought they were children. Anyway, Polly...a little person that I can remember from years past had recipes in this box....this just thrills my soul to have this treasure.

4 boxes full of recipes...lots of handwritten one's. Recipes from our loved one's that have already gone on. I plan on laminating some as I did my grandmother's.

I also took Papa Sizemore's discharge and all Army papers. They never had kids and she was so sad about where they would end up...so I took them and filed them in our filing cabinet at home.

I had to stop several times to get myself together as we were going through a life time of memories she had collected. She told me not to be sad, but she was enjoying seeing what meant the most to me. After all was gotten, she said that she could have picked almost everything I took all by herself...she called me her sentimental child. I took Papa Sizemore's valet chair. It has always sat in their bedroom. When he was living it always had a coat on something draped on it. I wanted these 3 insulated mugs she had because every time I stayed with them Papa Sizemore would make us a snack and he would always say, "Tracey gets the blue cup." He would pour me some coke and get out the cheese balls. I would sit at the bar eating and chattering up a storm while he just sat and listened to me like I was the most interesting person in the world.

Then came the time when she had set aside some things for me. One was her ceramic Christmas tree that she made when I was a baby. I had always been fascinated with this tree for some reason. She made it the year I was born. While it is packed away in a box full of stuffing and shredded paper, I decided to wait until Christmas to share a picture of it. Then there was a February picture and some February angels. We share the same birth month, and she wanted me to have these. She turned 50 the year I was born. I was born on the 8th and she turned 50 on the 15th. Papa Sizemore passed away on the 14th in 1989. Over the years Nanny Sizemore has given me things from her collection, but this was just a heart breaking experience knowing that the house I had known and grown to love was leaving the family. I left with a van full of memories and a sad heart knowing that her house would soon be the stepping stone of new memories for someone else. I pray that whoever gets the house has as many great memories there as I do.

Eatin' Up a Storm

2011-11-10T09:15:00.000-05:00

There are many challenges in Care Giving, but our main challenge and constant battle with Mark's dad is eating. He has gone from 145 lbs to 131 lbs in a year. We struggle all the time with trying to get him to eat. It is bad enough when we are here, but the few hours that he is by himself was really worrying us.

When it was time to go and see the doctor in September, I asked if he could give him something to help with his appetite. He put him on megestrol. It treats anorexic patients as well as uterine cancer. I take the exact same thing for my cancer....this should explain a lot about myself. When I started taking it, I was taking 24 pills a day...now I only take 1 and sometimes 2 a day. My father in law is on 4 a day. The pills have worked their magic. I go to the grocery store about 3 times a week, because he is eating everything in the house. Just this morning he had 2 eggs, 4 pieces of bacon, a sausage biscuit and a ham biscuit. I love seeing him eat....it was such a struggle for so long to get food in him. He does have his favorites:

Cheetos are one of his main junk foods he likes to eat. He is averaging around 5 bags a week. He tells me all the time, "Cheetos are my favorite."

Krispy Kreme are another staple of his junk food supply. He eats 3 dozens of these every week. He might eat more if I bought more. LOL

He is now game to go to lunch at anytime and eat anytime you say let's go and get a bite of something. This one little simple pill has made our life so much easier in caring for him. I feel better that he is eating so well now. He has lots more energy and sometimes it seems as though the food has cleared the fog of dementia for a moment. It has just amazed me at the turn around in his appetite, all due to a pill.

Catching Up!!!

2011-11-09T17:37:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I last blogged...over a month...almost 2 months. I have been very busy during this time. We are the Sunday School Directors and the Senior Coordinators for our church this year, so that has been taking a lot of our time the last few months. I want to do the best job that I can do. We are still care giver's for Mark's dad, who is doing great. Traveling up and down the road every week does take it's toil on you after a while.

I have managed to go treasure hunting a few times over the past few weeks. Our ladies ministry team is doing a Christmas tea in December. We are on the hunt for fancy dishes, tea cups and teapots. Here are some that I found this week.

I loved this cute teapot, and it was a steal at only $2

This dainty tea cup was a must have at only $1

I can't wait until we put on this tea. It is going to be so elegant and a relaxing time for the ladies of our church. I love it when we do nice things for people.

I know that I have mentioned those sweet babies...I can't wait to see them. They are growing like weeds. I can't wait to hold them and snuggle up with them.

This is one of my favorite pictures of them. Hopefully, I won't wait too long to blog again. I will try to keep up a little better.

Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning???

2011-09-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

It might have been 10 years ago, but it seems like yesterday. We were serving at Midway Baptist Church in Columbus, NC on September 11, 2001. I was watching The Today Show and Mark was in his study. They broke it with the news that a plane had hit a tower of The World Trade Center it seemed like only seconds they were announcing that the other tower had been hit. Then more bad news...the Pentagon had been hit. Then a plane went down in a field in Pennsylvania...was it related? I remember just holding my breath wondering where the next plane would hit. Our phone started ringing off the hook...would the church be open for those to go and pray? Would we have a special service that night? I remember being so scared that something was going to happen right there where we lived, every time I heard a sound my heart would race and I would panic. As the day wore on and no more news of planes, I had finally began to relax. I stayed glued to the TV watching as the towers fell, the Pentagon burned and the plane in PA burned completely up. I couldn't take my eyes off the TV. I sat there mesmerized by the images I saw as tears flowed down my face. Strangers dying, but I was connected to each and everyone of them...WE WERE ALL AMERICANS...except for the terrorist. I found hate welling up inside of me along with fear and uncertainty. Hate was very unfamiliar to me at this point, but I hated the people who did this. I wanted to see them hurt in the same way. My most prevalent emotion was fear. It was an enormous fear that engulfed me that day, until a bible verse flooded my mind. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 I remember repeating that verse over and over all day. I wrote it on post it notes and stuck it every where in our house. As night time came, we met at church where we prayed and comforted one another. There I found such peace and rightness...it was as if we were in our own safe little cocoon. Away from danger or the ugliness of this world. September 11, 2001....I remember it well. I haven't forgotten those who died that day...whether they were the intended victim or those trying to rescue others.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Out in the yard with your wife and children

Working on some stage in LA

Did you stand there in shock at the site of

That black smoke rising against that blue sky

Did you shout out in anger

In fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children

Who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride

For the red white and blue

The heroes who died just doing what they do

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you

The difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us

And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Teaching a class full of innocent children

Driving down some cold interstate

Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor

In a crowded room did you feel alone

Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her

Did you dust off that bible at home

Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened

Close your eyes and not go to sleep

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages

Speak with some stranger on the street

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow

Go out and buy you a gun

Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching

And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger

Stand in line and give your own blood

Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family

Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you

The difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us

And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you

The difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us

And the greatest is love

The greatest is love

I loved this song the minute I heard it. It seemed that Alan Jackson had summed up every emotion that I had that day. From sadness, disbelief, panic, fear, rage and every other emotion known to man. I remember well where I was when the world stopped turning.

We will never forget those who died that day!!!

Gearing up!!!

2011-08-31T11:52:00.000-04:00

Today it feels so good outside and the temperature is just right for a walk. I am hoping that we will get to go downtown and do a little walking today. I have been wanting to get a pedometer to help see how many steps I walk a day...they say 10,000 is the magic number. I saw one in a magazine that not only tells you the steps you have walked, but also how many calories you have burned.

I am loving that fall is approaching and the weather will be cooler to do some exercise outside...did I just say that? Me!!! The no exercise queen....but I am ready to kick my weight loss into high gear and I feel that exercise is the only thing that will help me do that. Oh, I really am changing my ways. Yesterday, Oogie complimented me on my weight loss and just went on and on...that will make you want to get serious. I have lost 30 lbs as of today. Although I haven't weighed in a week and a half. So, I better get my rear in gear and quit talking about exercising and start doing it!!!

Caregiving!!!

2011-08-30T15:24:00.000-04:00

The last two weeks have found us mostly in Moore County. On August 14th, Mark's dad was taken to the hospital due to dehydration. He was released the following afternoon. We stayed until Saturday afternoon to make sure that someone was with him at all times as he was very weak. I made him some milkshakes out of "Boost", the nutritional drink, that seemed to help perk him up. He seemed to be better when we left, and I was hoping he would keep his strength up, and not have a relapse.

Then on Monday August 22nd, I realized that Hurricane Irene was predicted to hit the NC coast. Mark and I decided to go ahead and get our groceries for the storm early. While going to the store, we got a call that Mark's mom had been taken to the hospital. We got our groceries and headed back to Moore County. She had pneumonia is what they told us when we arrived. Mark and his brother, Dwight, stay around the clock the first 48 hours to make sure she was okay. Then on Thursday we left to go home to secure all our outside stuff. We were going to stay during the hurricane, but when they started predicting bad weather where Mark's dad lives, we decided it was best to go and be with him and make sure he was okay during the storm. So we are still in Moore County...haven't been home to see what all has happened, but my parents say that nothing news worthy happened at our house. That is very good news, and I am happy to report no damage at our house.

I am very tired, and haven't slept well in the last 2 weeks. I am looking forward to going home and getting back to our regular schedule. I really realized these last few weeks, that you need a break when you are caregivers for someone, and 24 hrs doesn't cut it. I have missed my several days at home each week. I have also found that caregiving is not an easy job as most would think...not if you do your job throughly. There are always things coming up...like getting the van serviced and making sure all medicine is on hand, even when the insurance says that it is not ready to be filled (but you are out).

I wouldn't trade these last few years for anything though...we have learned so much history from Mark's dad about the family and the area that Mark grew up in. We have had time to spend with him and Mark's mom, look through old pictures and listen to stories of the good old days....they didn't seem to be too many good days. LOL

To all who are caregivers...I salute you and the job that you do!!!

There She Blows!!!

2011-08-29T19:29:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene raged through our area on Saturday, August 27, 2011. We put everything we thought could fly away up or secured it, and went to Mark's dad. With dementia, he sometimes doesn't realize things that are going on around him. We came back to mainly make sure he wouldn't be upset. It was breezy and sometimes rather gusty at his house. No damage to our house (mom and dad stayed there), we will be picking up limbs; but Irene did a number on NC and on up through the Northeast. I think sometimes pictures say it all.

Irene is one more massive storm...and she has her eye on NC and beyond

This storm is going to effect a lot more people than just those in NC. She doesn't seem to be stopping.

A person in Virginia Beach caught this as Irene approached the VA beaches. This is an amazing picture!!!

Destruction everywhere on the Outer Banks

Lots more flooding

Waves crashed and the erosion is tremendous on our coast.

The beaches on the Outer Banks of NC took a big hit

Irene moved slow over NC and dumped a lot of water

100 year old trees were no match for this massive storm.

I am thankful that Irene didn't strengthen to a Category 4 as they had predicted. She made landfall a strong Category 1. She did a lot of damage, but it could have been lots worse. As it was said so many times before the storm hit, "We are preparing for the worse, but praying for the best."

M&M's That Melt Your Heart!!!

2011-08-28T11:37:00.000-04:00

Ever since February when we found out that Anna was having a baby, we have been anticipating it's arrival. Then we found out that it was not going to be one baby, but two babies. It seemed like they would never get here. And for a while, we weren't sure that they would arrive. Anna had to go to Cincinnati for a procedure on the twins every early in her pregnancy. She has been on complete bed rest forever it seems. Then we found out they they are identical and girls....WOOHOO!!! Poor little DIG will continue to be our only little boy.

Anna shows off her pregnant belly

After doing everything the doctor's told her to do...she went 34 weeks. She delivered little Mabry Anna and Morgan Abigail on Monday August 22th. They are little 4lbs 5ozs and 3lbs 11ozs. They have had all the struggles that preemies have, but they are just precious. Our little M&M's....they melt your heart.

Anna with Morgan....she has her eyes opened in every picture

Mitchell with Mabry...she never has her eyes open

Anna with Mabry

Mitchell with Morgan

Little Morgan

Mabry

Morgan

Struggles!!!

2011-08-12T15:34:00.000-04:00

As of this blog...I am down 28 lbs. I seem to have stopped losing, and I am trying to rearrange my menu and ~~my exercise routine~~ start an exercise routine. I am going to try and look at some gym's this week...schedule permitting. Excuses are building as I hate to exercise, but I want to be healthy...exercising is a big part of being healthy.

It has not been easy these last 10 weeks, but the end result has been worth it. I have kept a journal since beginning Weight Watcher's on June 2nd. I note the times I feel hungry and what is happening in my life at that moment. I am trying to get to the root of my eating. So far, I am hungry at night from the hours of 7 pm to 10 pm...and nothing significant is happening during those hours. I am not upset, happy, gotten bad news or anything I can pinpoint this hunger to. I have narrowed the hunger down to four contributing factors. 1) I really am hungry...probably not 2) boredom...which may be it...because if we are busy or off doing something then I am not hungry 3) habit...I snack while I read and watch TV, so this may have to be a habit that I break 4) medicine....I still take cancer treatments which also treat anorexia patients. I take this after dinner, so this could be making me hungry. I am going to try several things this coming week to see if I can combat the hunger and not sway into my value points for the week every night. If I am going to dip into those babies, I want it to be for something good. I do encourage you to keep a journal as you lose weight...it helps to see where you make mistakes and where you soared.

Moving On Down!!!

2011-08-04T13:31:00.000-04:00

I had promised myself that I was not going to turn this into a weight loss blog, but the blog is about my life and right now losing weight is my life. I finally hit my 25 lb mark and I have been on Weight Watcher's for 2 months now. I had set a personal goal of losing 12 lbs a month, and so far I have achieved this goal.

I had the ultimate thrill yesterday when I went shopping. I finally got to leave the women's section of the store and shop in the misses section. It was only for pants, but I will take it. I am still in the women's section for shirts, but another 10 or 15 lbs gone might solve that completely. I found that clothes in the misses section are cheaper. I got shorts for $5 and capris for $6. I am moving on down...in sizes that is....and I feel great!!!

I remember watching Jennifer Hudson on Oprah and just being amazed at the weight she had lost. I remember her on American Idol and them telling her that she was too fat to make it big. I was so out raged at some of the judges statements, because she had the voice and who cared what she weighed...I wasn't listening or looking at her body...it was her voice that was so big. I keep thinking that day as she sat on Oprah's set...if she can do it, so can I. It was the beginning of a changing point in my life.

Even though I wanted to lose like Jennifer, I still wasn't motivated enough to start. My feet were burning and hurting all the time, my stomach felt like it was coming up in my throat and I was struggling to breath most of the time. My weight stopped me from doing things I loved, just simply because I didn't feel like doing anything. Don't think that I didn't love myself, because I did...I am an only child, and self confidence is something I am not lacking. I got tired of feeling tired and bad all the time. It wasn't so much the weight that motivated me, but more of a healthier lifestyle that inspired me to begin and to continue.

I will say that it is nice to fit into smaller clothes and to physically look better, but it is more important to me to feel better and to be healthier on the inside. I don't so much care what the scales say as rather what I am feeling physically. Weight Watcher's does the point system, and even though I have points to eat fried foods, I still choose grilled over fried, green vegetables over starchy items, fish over beef and salad over bread. It is not that I can't have these things on WW, but I am choosing a healthier lifestyle. My blood sugar levels have plummeted and I have found myself eating a 3 Musketeer bar to bring the levels up (it is only 7 pts) at times. WW is not there to deprive you, but rather guide you. Guiding you to find a healthy weight, but to also help you with portion control and self control (which I lacked and still struggle with).

It is a journey that I don't know if I will ever complete. Food has somewhat of a hold on me. I am learning that it is not always my friend, and there are other things to turn to in my hour of need, excitement, happiness, worry, stress or just plain life. I am slowly learning that more is not always better. I am trying to change my mentality of "getting my monies worth". Eating until I feel satisfied and not stuffed. I have learned that losing weight is more mental than it is physical. The journey continues and I will keep you posted on my progress and my ups and downs.

Progress!!!

2011-07-19T11:56:00.001-04:00

This is another before and after picture during this weight loss journey. I have now lost around 20 lbs in 6 weeks with Weight Watchers. I can tell you that some days are easy and some days are so hard. I am praying that one day food won't be the first and last thing on my mind. That maybe I would be so busy that I would forget to eat. Instead I try rationing out my points in case I get really hungry later on...I will still have points. I want a life where food doesn't rule my every move. That it will become a take it or leave it element. I am trying to learn portion control...which is way out of hand. I do love Weight Watcher's and this great program that leaves you satisfied and teaches you great nutrition.

The right pic is before WW and the left is after losing 20 lbs.

Trying New Things!!!

2011-07-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

I went to the Farmer's Market this week with all intentions of trying something new. There were no vegetables available that I had never tried before, but there were some different varieties of vegetables that I had never eaten before.

Hill Country Red Okra was found at one booth.

I can't wait to try this okra. It is an heirloom okra out of Texas...as the farmer who grew it described it to me. We love tomatoes and okra together, but this farmer told me to put it on a skewer and grill it. I am going to have to try this!!!

Early White or patty pan squash

While I love the yellow scallop aka yellow patty pan or sunburst, I have never tried the early white's. My plan is to slice and grill these. We have been doing that all summer with our squash and egg plant...then right before you serve it sprinkle it with some Parmesan cheese. The farmer that sold me this one said they slice them kind of thick and brush olive oil on them that they have put basil in and then melted cheese on top while they are grilling. That sound so delicious. I have only used the yellow scallop squash in a salad raw, so I am anxious to try the patty pan on the grill. I have loved egg plant grilled out this year.

As a treat for myself, I always get a nice bouquet of cut flowers for myself at the market. I can't remember the names of these, but she says that the buds will open and they will last for 2 weeks. I try to get different varieties of flowers every week. I have enjoyed going out early to the market and strolling through and looking at all the vegetables, breads, eggs, flowers, plants, pottery, fruits and meat that the market has to offer. I carry a recyclable tote and just browse through every one's booth. I always go to all the booths, even if I am not buying breads, eggs or meats. I chat with the farmers, who give you growing advice and recipes. After strolling through all the vendor's tents, I make my way back to car feeling happy that I have helped in a small way to support our local farmer's.

Heat, Generous Bounty & Goodbye!!!

2011-07-14T13:12:00.000-04:00

For once the weatherman got it right, and I wished he had gotten it wrong. He said that it would be a scorcher today (this blog was started on Tuesday), and he was right. At one time it read 102 degrees on our thermometer...that is in the shade. One of our A/C units isn't working quite right, so never the less...we had to jump on that situation. Sleeping in an 85 degrees bedroom wouldn't be happening, and I would be so ill....I know that you can't imagine that....LOL

We have had so many people to be generous this year with their gardens. They have shared with us, and boy have we enjoyed all the goodies.

Mike and Barbara shared their corn with

us.

Mrs. Rooks shared her delicious tomatoes with us.

After getting home, Marla sent me a text wanting to know if I wanted some okra and cucumbers. Boy were they yummy. Everyone has shared so much with us this year. Our bucket yard has produced lots of grape tomatoes, bell peppers and banana peppers...but nothing else. Thankful that we have nice neighbors who share their bounty.

We said goodbye to "Fred the Crackhead Poodle" this week. This is my hair dresser's dog, and I have always loved hearing her Fred stories...he was a funny dog.

Goodbye Fred...I miss hearing about all your adventures!!!

The Cotton Exchange!!!

2011-07-11T08:15:00.000-04:00

This past week found Mark and I playing tourist once again in our great city of Wilmington. There is so much to do that we have a hard time deciding. Since there was a threat of rain, we picked an inside place. We went downtown to The Cotton Exchange.

Front Street Entrance

Nutt Street Entrance

At the turn of the century, majestic sailing ships delivered treasures from around the world to the Port of Wilmington. Paddle-wheel boats plied the broad Cape Fear River from Southport to Fayetteville. Cotton was king, and one of the largest and busiest cotton export companies in the world was located in Wilmington. Today, The Cotton Exchange is still an adventure in trade. Eight graciously restored buildings connected by brick walkways, open-air courtyards, and gigantic heart pine beams house 30 unique specialty shops and restaurants, each a charming reflection of the style and feel of Wilmington's 19th century working port days. In 1975-76, The Cotton Exchange was the first downtown complex in North Carolina to adapt and utilize existing buildings, serving as an excellent example of local preservation efforts. It is full of history along with old machinery that was used in the cotton era.

Beautiful court yard with places to eat outside.

Lots of shops to browse

Nice quaint atmosphere

I loved coming to shop here. There are great shops and restaurants in The Cotton Exchange. You could spend the whole day here browsing around. I especially liked the Fire & Spice Gourmet. I stocked up on lots of spices and rubs. They have a huge variety of spices, dip mixes, batters, soups and NC made products.

The Lady and the Pooch was another favorite of mine. They sell the bling...at very reasonable prices.

Need I say more about the bling that they carry...I love this ring, and only for $10.

The Two Sisters Bookery was another one of my favorites...but then again I love books. They carry local authors as well as lots of NC authors. One local author was signing books that day.

Mark with local author, James Larrick

I loved The Cotton Exchange. It is a beautiful place downtown Wilmington. If you live here and have never been...which was my case...please go. If you ever visit Wilmington, it is a must see place while vacationing.

Summertime Yummy!!!

2011-07-09T06:33:00.000-04:00

There are lots of things that I love about summertime. If you know anything about me, you know that I love to go to the pool or the beach. Also, I love watermelon!!! Although watermelon ended up not being my friend at Weight Watchers one week. Ate too much watermelon that day, and gained. UGH!!! I especially love all the vegetables and fruits that are so plentiful this time of year.

Some fresh okra is always a treat for me in the summertime.

Do you see the size of this tomato?? What a beauty!!!

I found this tomato at Thomas Tomatoes located on highway 53 out of Burgaw. They are only $1.25 lb or $15 for a box. A slice of this tomato will cover a piece of bread for a delicious tomato sandwich. Now if you are reading this, and you haven't ever eaten a tomato sandwich....then you are not from the South. LOL Get some bread, a nice ripen tomato, salt and pepper and some mayonnaise. It is good enough to feed the Prince and Princess if they come by your house on their USA tour.

While I love lots of the veggies this time of the year, I mean I have eaten lots of squash, zucchini, eggplant, corn, cucumbers and peppers this year. I will say that okra and tomatoes are my favorite. Tomatoes might be my favorite this year. I especially love to cook tomatoes and okra together. I did this last night and added some corn in with it...it was Summertime Yummy!!!

If you aren't a big vegetable eater, then summertime is the perfect time to try them. They are fresh and in season and their true flavor comes through. Find a road side produce stand or a Farmer's Market in your area and taste some Summertime Yummy vegetables.

Flashback!!!

2011-07-07T20:08:00.000-04:00

Today found me at Wrightsville Beach. As I sat there waiting for my friend, Beth to join me, I was taken back to 25 years ago.

Beth and I spent countless hours down at Wrightsville Beach growing up. We always went to the same spot...beside Crystal Pier. Today was no different, but things at the beach sure have changed.

While the pier is still there, it is now a restaurant, The Oceanic. No more going up to the pier to use the bathroom or to get a drink or burger. I won't get into how much the charge for parking has changed, but I used a debit card instead of quarters today. LOL

I sat there watching the waves crash wondering just where time had gone. I am sitting on the beach as a 40 year old feeling giddy like a 16 year old to see my old friend and catch up on life. Beth tops the access and we launch into laughter and talking all at the same time. Catching up is great. I mentioned to her that we hadn't changed that much...still sitting in the same spot at the beach. We talk about how time has flown and how did we get to be our parents age. We soon settle into catching each other up in what is going on in our lives. I can't speak for Beth, but I still see the 16 year old Beth who drove me everywhere the summer before my freshman year as we caught up today. It was like a flashback and like time had stood still today. It is easier to go to the beach as you get older...you are not there to impress. I remember all those pain staking hours of getting ready...just incase you saw someone you wanted to impress. UGH!! The teenage years!!! Don't like getting old, but wouldn't want to go back for nothing. I love being married and the life I have...it is nice to have a soulmate that always loves you.

I was so happy with my toes in the sand. I am really a beach bum at heart. Our time was cut a little short because of a rain storm. We said our goodbyes and hopped in our cars. I left to go to get a pedicure....my reward to myself for reaching my goal of losing at least 12 pounds the first month.

My cute french manicure that I got on my toes...my real reward...mom and dad paid for the pedicure. Next goal is to have lost a total of 24 pounds...my reward...a massage. Only about 10 pounds to go.

American Tradition!!!

2011-07-04T18:17:00.000-04:00

I spent my 4th of July doing an American Tradition ....SHOPPING!!! We ended up going to the mall today, and it was an excellent idea. There weren't that many people there at all, I guess they were all on the beach. There were sales everywhere I turned. A nice lunch at Chick-fil-a and then Mark unleashed me into my own little bit of heaven. Red dot, 85% off, and BOGO 50% off were everywhere I turned. These fancy signs pulled me into stores that I don't usually go in. Yes, today was full of American traditions. Shopping is as American as apple pie to me!!

I couldn't resist having my picture taken with the Chick-fil-a cow. "Eat Mor Chicken"!!!

This was my favorite purchase today. A dress that is 2 sizes smaller and all for $12.50. Can't wait to wear it one Sunday.

I found my self at the jewelry section today at Belk's, but I got such great deals...bracelets for $3 and $4...then earring for a mere $2. Altogether I got 4 shirts, a dress, 2 bracelets, 1 pair of earrings and a pair of sandals . I spent less than $55 for all of that. I did resist Bath and Body Works sale...buy 3 and get 3 free. I was a little strong today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!

I did my part in trying to boost the economy. LOL

A Little Change!!!

2011-07-03T20:06:00.000-04:00

Tourist Season!!!

2011-07-03T01:59:00.000-04:00

As I stated in my last blog, we are doing Weight Watchers and looking for some activity to do each week. The activity we are looking for is not exactly exercise, but rather something to do other than eat. Every weekend when we come home our conversation is centered on where and what we are going to eat. I am tired of food ruling my life and thoughts. So, we decided to play tourist in our lovely city of Wilmington. Last week it was a nice trip downtown to our local Farmer's Market and this week we went to the Cape Fear Museum.

This location really came about because there was a BOGO free admission coupon in our attraction book. It is located on Market Street near downtown. A very friendly man at the desk told us what we could expect to see in the museum. It was fascinating to see all the changes that have taken place in our port city over the years. I never realized that after WWII the railroad moved their headquarters and almost killed the population in our town. That is when they started cashing in on tourist. We had a great time looking at all the exhibits and seeing what flowers and trees are native to our area. I especially liked the Venus flytrap exhibit.

Mark and I both pose with the giant sloth that was discovered in the 90's when Randall Parkway was put in Wilmington.

We picked up lots of brochures on other tourist things to do in our port city. We are trying to decide on what to do next...trolley tour, hollywood tour (movies and tv show filmed here) river boat lunch cruise, carriage ride, Bellamy Mansion, Cotton Exchange, the Aquarium, Fort Fisher, Riding the ferry to Southport, Old Brunswick, Thalian Hall, Popular Grove Plantation, the battleship, Orton Plantation, Railroad museum or the historical tour of downtown. There is lots more to do, but who knew there was so much to do right here in our own city....some have coupons in the book, but then again some is not that high or free. It was fun being a tourist in our town today...snapping pictures and learning some interesting facts about what makes Wilmington so special and the journey our city has been through.

I've Lost it!!!

2011-07-01T13:44:00.000-04:00

This summer has been wonderful so far. At the beginning of June, I joined Weight Watchers. My goal was not only to lose weight, but to start having a healthier lifestyle. I lost almost 6 lbs the first few weeks, then on week three...I gained 1.5 lbs. I felt disgusted and also a little confused, but also relieved. I was relieved because if I was doing something wrong...I needed to know, and quick. My instructor sat down with me and went over the plan with me very carefully. I saw several factors that played a part in the gain that week. I went home feeling reassured and confident that I could lose more weight. I weighed in yesterday and I lost...8.8 lbs in a week. That brought be to a total of 12.11 lbs for the month. I was ecstatic...my goal was 12 lbs a month (my reward is a pedicure). I have felt the best I have felt in such a long time. Whether the scales are my friend or not, eating healthier has just been a blessing. I am wearing clothes that I couldn't last year, and I went down a size in shirts this past week.

I bought this shirt last year on the red dot sale...I couldn't wear it. I wore it on Father's Day.

Weight Watchers not only has helped me lose weight, but it has opened up a new world to me. I am visiting Farmer's Markets and produce stands now. Not in drudgery, but in delight. My favorite thing is picking out new vegetables to try. I grilled egg plant this past week and green tomatoes. YUM!!! I am now allowing something else to fill my head beside food and where I will eat. More activity is done and I am exhausted afterwards. I can only imagine how I will feel when more weight comes off.

I have been blessed with friends and family that let me come and swim (or float) in their pool this summer. I started out just floating around and soaking up the rays, but lately I have been jogging around in the shallow end getting my exercise. I think this has helped me a lot.

Mark's, Aunt Sybil's pool...my Moore County pool...LOL

Always my Aunt Carolyn's pool anytime I want to go. I love swimming there.

Connie's pool...my at home pool...LOL

These are all my yummy veggies and fruits that I have gotten at the Farmer's Market. 3 months ago you probably wouldn't have seen me there too many times. I was more meat and potatoes...and all veggies fried. I have learned that grilled or sauteed is so good. Farmer's Market is a real treat to go to each week.

This is another treat for myself...a bouquet of flowers. I get a bouquet every week at the Farmer's Market. I treat myself to flowers instead of an ice cream or candy. Makes my house look good.

I loved these snapdragons.

The hydrangea and Irish bells are a favorite of mine.

Sunflowers always look so happy and cheerful.

This has been my summer so far. Trying to get healthier and live a better and fit life. Please say a prayer for me as my journey in getting the skinny woman inside me to come out has just begun.

Lost Art!!!

2011-06-17T05:26:00.000-04:00

I was reading in a magazine a few weeks back about how card sells were on the decline. They went on to say that this was everyday cards, and not special occasions. I know one card that is probably on the decline, and that is a "Thank You" card. I rarely get one of these anymore. There are some like my friend, Amanda Talbert, who is thoughtful to send one, but most...not so much.

I am talking about when you mail some one a gift or you drop it off at the shower or take to a wedding. You are not sure if they got it, and will never know because they don't send a card or even acknowledge to your face that they got the gift.

I have sent numerous gifts over the years to showers that I could not attend or took the gift to the actual wedding and never heard a word from the newly married couple or the expectant parents. I have often wondered why they pick someone to write down everything they got and who it came from, because they are not going to send you a thank you.

If I take the time to go to the store and pull off your registry and spend time picking just the right thing (and also something you have asked for), don't you think I deserve a thank you....just as a common courtesy??

I always try to send thank you notes, even for the little things people do for me or give to me. Just the way I was raised. It is sad to me that this is quickly becoming a lost art in our society.

As I was writing this blog, I my friend posted a note to me on Facebook thanking me for a card that I sent her son...maybe thanking people is not so much a lost art, but maybe doing it differently in a techno world.

Farmer's Market!!!

2011-06-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday proved to be a stormy day, so I set off to find me some adventures. I was going to Mark's aunts to swim, but when it is thundering and lightning...I don't go. I went to the Farmer's Market here in Moore County. What great goodies I found, and at very reasonable prices. I love buying from local people. Most things at the market were organic as well.

Lot of neat things at the Moore County Farmer's Market.

I got some brown eggs from Bonlee Grown Farm. While they are more known for their flowers, their free range eggs looked great. They also have jams. Amy and Ray Sugg are the owners. Located near Bear Creek, NC. Bear Creek is where the fruit cake plant is located, if you have ever been to that.

These are the gorgeous eggs that I got from Bonlee Grown Farm.

One of their plants...it is gorgeous.

They have the ornamental pepper plants. These are the plants that are planted around the traffic circle. They are beautiful when the peppers turn yellow, red and orange. I wish I had room to plant more things, because I would have gotten some of these.

There was a lady there selling bread from Our Daily Bread. She has all kinds of bread. Her booth looked so yummy. I got the Multi-Grain Bread...a mini loaf. I know myself too well to get the big loaves. They also buy from local farmers to make their breads...kind of like Sandhills Farm to Table, where people help the local farmers in their community. I will do the Farm to Table again this fall. I loved getting all those veggies in the fall. I pick the fall to do because I think it is a better deal, fall vegetables are more expensive than summer one's in the store.

She had all kinds of bread. I saw some with raisins and apples...don't they look yummy?

This is the mini loaf that I got. Can't wait to try it!!!

I went to this booth that had the most gorgeous cut flowers. You could buy a pre-arranged bouquet or individual flowers to make your own bouquet. Not bad deals either. I bought individual, because I saw two flowers that I really liked. Not an organized farm, but a man and lady who love to grow flowers.

I got the Irish Bells and Hydrangea's. I love this bouquet, and it only cost me $3.50. Now that is a deal.

Aren't the Irish Bell's beautiful? I had never seen these before.

He also sold vegetables out of their garden.

Such vibrant beautiful flowers.

I had such fun picking out a few things for us to eat. I also tried a new thing. I got fresh basil to cook with this weekend. I loved my little trip to the Farmer's Market. I may make it a weekly trip.

I got some pepper, zucchini and sunburst or yellow scallop squash. I have never had the sunburst before, but I am going to chop them up and put them in a salad.

The fresh basil that I got. Going to use it in a marinade that I want to try this weekend.

Everything Under the Sun!!!

2011-06-09T04:51:00.000-04:00

I picked the first thing from our garden this week. I know that it wasn't exactly big enough to pick, but I wanted to say that I had gotten something out of the garden. It was a little banana pepper, and our plant is loaded with more. These will taste yummy on my salad or we like a turkey sandwich with pepper and hummus on it. I have found that hummus adds lots more flavor to a sandwich without all the calories that mayo gives you.

See, I told you that it wasn't very big, but it came out of our garden...so YAY for that!!

I started keeping a journal this week. I bought one several months ago, and it just never wrote in it. I have found it very therapeutic and a way to release stress. I use to relieve stress by crying, but I have found that I don't cry so easily these days. That or maybe I am not as stressed as I think I am. Oh well, the journal is helping me to relieve the stress that I may or may not have...LOL

Went to help Sydney and Jenny celebrate their birthday this week. I am doing a mentoring program with Jenny. She is just the sweetest thing ever. It was a skate party and boy did they have a great turn out. Someone asked me if I was going to skate...hahahahaha. No, I like myself too much. Plus, who can afford to be laid up all summer with a broke bone. The kids had a blast though,

You gotta love Jenny's sweet smile.

Sydney is always so happy.

We are going this Saturday to help another friend celebrate their birthday, only he is not in his "tween" years. He will be celebrating his birthday with a pig picking, so maybe turning 40 won't be so bad for him. All my classmates are turning 40 this year. Still an age that doesn't roll of my tongue so easily. I can't deny that I am 40, but I don't have to spread it around either. LOL

Went and did a little shopping yesterday. I went to my favorite thrift store, and hit the jackpot. I finally found me some clothes. A yellow pair of dress pants for $2, a Kim Rogers tank for $1 and a pair of shorts for $1. All these clothes looked brand new. The lady in the store told me that she knows the woman who donated them and she hardly wore anything twice. Not much else caught my eye there, but I check back every so often, because you never know what they will have. I went to Hallmark yesterday to spend my $10 that I had earned with the rewards card. Have you ever tried to spend $10 in Hallmark? They first thing I picked up was over $10. I had fun picking out something for me, and also bought a gift for a friend. I went to the bookstore to look for some books for my soon to be arriving twin nieces...no luck. I wanted some story books on twins, but when I asked the clerk looked at me like I was crazy. Might have to research this a bit before I find just what I am looking for.

Going to Mark's aunt today to swim. As I have stated in other blogs, that is one my favorite things about summer....getting in the pool. I bought everything I need to leave here so that I can hit the pool. I bought a beach bag, beach towel, suntan lotion, bathing suit and a small cooler to have everything at my finger tips to relax at the pool. Last year it was so tiresome bringing everything back and forth.

Well, I am off to catch a few more Z's before morning. When I can't sleep, I write my blog. Have a great day.

Summer Time!!!

2011-06-07T17:28:00.000-04:00

I must admit that I am loving summer time. I know that summer hasn't officially arrived, but someone please tell that to Coastal, NC. It has been 100 degrees a few days already. I admit that the heat is not my favorite part of the summer (heat makes me mean..which is another blog altogether), but I love the things that summer brings.

Jenny and I spent the day at the pool. That is one thing that I love about summer time is spending time at the pool and the beach. My ultimate feeling is coming home from the beach..taking a shower. Lying on the sofa on a cool sheet while your body is soaking in all the kisses the sun left on your body. Ahhh, what a great feeling. I do love the beach, but not the sand.

The watermelon this year has been so yummy. I bought 2 cantaloupes yesterday and they were so delicious. I love all the fresh fruit and vegetables that summer time brings. I forget just how much I love fruit and how it taste so much better when it is in season. As of the writing of this blog, I have eaten 2 watermelons in 2 days...okay, they were small, but I ate them all.

Our bucket garden is really growing. As I go near it, I can smell the pepper plants in the air. I am hoping for a good yield on our little garden this year.

Our squash plants are blooming. My mouth is already watering for some fresh squash on the grill. I have found that raw little yellow squash and zucchini are great in a salad.

This bell pepper plant is blooming, but it smells like pepper when you get around it. That is one of my favorite things in the garden.

A small banana pepper on our plant.

Our grape tomato plant is full of tomatoes. These are so good in a salad or just to pop in your mouth.

I can't wait for these to get ripe. I love a tomato sandwich with mayo...good summer time eatin'. I have learned this past weekend that hummus is wonderful on a turkey sandwich. I get the roasted red pepper hummus.

I love planting and harvesting a garden in the summer time, but I also love flowers. I planted so many flowers this year (every thing that I have to dead head). They are growing like crazy. One thing that I love is all the flowering bushes in our garden. They usually provide me with a beautiful bouquet for the house.

Our gardenia bush is in full bloom, and they are gorgeous. I love how they make my house smell as well. I have almost stripped this bush of all blooms as I have filled every vase I have with these fragrant flower.

I love Lantana...I planted 3 pots of this one. Hoping that it will bunch out soon.

One piece surprised me by being pink...I love it!!

I love the laziness that summer brings with it. The relaxing atomosphere and attitude that most have....I don't like mosquitoes though. I love the long day and the thunder storms (as long as they are not severe). I love the hummingbirds and watching the lightning bugs in the evenings. I love hearing the frogs croaking and the different birds. I love to hear the roar of the ocean and picking up shells. I love making a splash in the pool to cool off during the day. I love picnics and going for rides. But just as much as I love summer (did I mention...I hate the heat), I love to see Fall arrive and all that it brings with it.

Exactly Where is That???

2011-06-06T12:23:00.000-04:00

Today as I was packing up my Ebay items, I ran across a place I had never heard of before. Le Roy, New York. Not exactly a place that you think about when you when you think of New York state. Which brings me to the point of this blog. You ask a northern where they are from and you get these answers, Vermont, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and my favorite is Upstate New York. Now here is my question when I hear this answer's....where are you from???? I want location, location, location. I want to know not only the state you are from, but what city and maybe the street name that you grew up on. Because if you ask a Southern where we are from....get ready to sit back and listen for a spell. Not only will we tell you the state, city and street, but we will tell you our neighbors name and who they are kin to in our town. We are proud of where we come from, and we will tell you exactly how to find us.

We will proudly tell you just how to get to our house. Labeling everything that you see along the way. Such as, you will know you are heading in the right direction when you see Farmer Brown's big red barn. You know his barn burned 10 years ago during a thunderstorm...lightning hit it, but he built it back bigger and brighter than ever.

Now about a mile or so after you pass that pretty red barn, you will see a big ole' tree, and I mean a big tree. They say that tree is over 200 years old, but I don't know...that is just hear say. You will want to start slowing down at this point.

Now start looking for the next dirt road to your right. You will come up on it fast, so keep it slow and your eyes peeled to the right. There is a car shed where you will turn, so you really you can't miss it. Ms. Dob's parks her car under there that she never drives. Her spinster sister comes and gets her and takes her everywhere she wants to go, but she insists on keeping her car, just incase she does need to drive. Personally, I don't think she even has a driver license.

You go down that road about a half a mile and we live at the end of it. This land has been in our family over 100 years. I inherited from my daddy, who got it from his daddy, and I will pass it on to my kids. You will know it is us because you will see our boat in the yard. I bought that boat from my neighbor's nephew a year back at a steal.

While this has been a fictitious story, it so true in many ways. As Southerns we will lead you right to our front door. We are proud of where we come from, and the stories that accompany these directions. The next time someone ask where you are from....at least give us a city and a state. Help a Southern out!!!

I wrote this blog a few days back and just saved it as a draft for some reason. Here is the funny part. I asked a lady where she was from....her answer...Upstate New York!!! You gonna love it!!!

Learning!!!

2011-06-05T12:15:00.000-04:00

Do we ever get to the place in life where we no longer learn??? I seriously doubt it. I learn new things everyday and I am...let's just say I am not 25 any more. LOL The word 40 is still not easily rolling off my tongue. Here is a list of things that I have learned in my short time here on earth...some funny...some serious.

I have learned lately that it has been more the little things in life that truly make me happy. Lately, a good hair day has just thrilled me to pieces, but it never seems to be the really big things in life that sparks a tenderness in my heart. Just simply watching some birds at our feeder, and seeing them in their true amazing form. The way they can fly, how they sense danger and how they love those tiny seeds we put in the feeder. You just have to know that a truly great God created these little beings.

To hear a child laugh with a high pitched giggle at truly nothing(to us) is another wonder to me. It makes me want to join in and not care who is watching. That is another thing I have come to learn and appreciate....not caring what others think. I am talking about the little things in life, such as acting silly once in a while or laughing in public so hard you almost fall out of your seat. Isn't it more wonderful to laugh and make a spectacle of yourself than to be sour all the time? My vote is to let go and be yourself and not let this society dictate your actions.

I have learned that political correctness is not always correct. I mostly see it as a compromise to God's Word and an attempt to shield and cover up sin. Sin is sin, you can call it what you want, but it is still sin. Prettying up sin doesn't make it go away, and doesn't hide the fact of what it really is in this world (this could be a whole other blog in itself).

I have learned to appreciate the beauty around us. God carefully created this world for us to enjoy, but sadly most are too busy to notice the beauty that surrounds us. Beautiful sunsets, rainy days, rainbows, a sky full of twinkling stars, moonlight and I could go on and on at the beauty that He provides us; if we just learn to appreciate and observe it. Yesterday as the sun begin to rise to start the new day, for the first time I really saw the morning light. I am talking about that little bit of fog burning off and the way the dew drips off the things that it has kissed during the night. The calling of the birds as they start their day. I was in awe of the things that I observed, and a little sad of not noticing these things before. Nothing I have done in life is not so important that I can't take to enjoy the scenery that God has given us.

I have learned that there are some things in this life that you can not change. I use to obsess about certain things in life. In reality most where things that were beyond my control to change. I can't change people or circumstances. Once this was instilled in my mind, things got better for me. I also learned to stay out of these situations, it makes life easier. Most situations in life that I can not change are not important to begin with, they are usually our own agendas that we are trying to fulfill. Some of this is in hope to please others. Pleasing others will drive you crazy or kill you one...you will never win. You can't please all people, and I stopped trying a few years back.

I have learned that singing in public will not kill me, and I have yet to throw up on stage. Although I feel like it most times. This may sound silly to some, but this is a big fear of mine. I am slowly getting over it little by little, but I am still learning and trying to accomplish this one thing.

I have learned that comfortable clothes are the way to go. Again this gets into trying to please people or fit in a mold that society has created. Four inch heels may be fashionable, but this chick won't be wearing them. I love my feet too much to do that to them. LOL

Learning to say "no" was a biggie for me. As a pastor's wife all my life, I was the "yes" man. I would say yes to anything anyone asked of me. It almost killed me doing that. Not so much physically, but more my spirit. Instead of being happy, I was miserable. I learned to only take on the things I felt led to do or the things that I loved to do (such as, why am I leading a kid's choir?). This is where I learned not to let people put higher expectations on me than I felt comfortable with. There is no pastor's wife mold that we all have to fit into....no I don't play the piano. I felt like a failure for years because of that one phrase. It seemed like all pastor's wives did play, but guess what??? I am funny!!! Most are not...I learned to make my own mold. After I did that....I was much happier in the role of pastor's wife.

The best thing I have learned lately is that laughter is great medicine for the soul. I try to find the humor in most situations and laugh until I can't laugh no more. We can always point out the negative in all situations, but it takes effort to see the humor. My friend made me a plaque that says, "Why laugh if you don't snort." I love it and I have learned to laugh and snort in just about all situations.

Life is a always a learning process. We just have to put into practice daily what we learn. Never think that you are too old to learn something. Even a child can teach us important lessons in life.

Deer Me!!!

2011-05-26T11:49:00.000-04:00

While watching TV last night, Mark called me to come and look at something. There stood 3 deer in the pond drinking. In just a few minutes 2 more joined them. I quickly grabbed up my camera to catch this moment. I took the pictures inside the house through the windows.

I think the one by the boat hears my camera as I snap their picture.

They are very alert creatures.

This deer just stood there for the longest time. It was almost like he was staring at me. I am sure they could see me in the house.

This one stops for a second...I think he hears me as well.

I love watching them as they stroll around the back yard. The twitch their tails and their heads snap to attention at the first sound they hear. I am surprised that I got as good of pictures as I did. I love watching the wildlife out the sunroom windows. It makes it seem more peaceful in the world.

Happy Things!!!

2011-05-24T00:00:00.003-04:00

These are just a few things that makes me have happy thoughts....it isn't all about the elaborate things in life that brings happiness, it is the little things.

I just love to plant flowers and watch them grow. This year, we really had a Spring, and I have gotten that chance to plant my little heart out. I have kind of gone wild with planting and some of my beds are a little crowded, but they will be gorgeous when they are bigger and all bunched together. I went yesterday and bought some verbena. I am keeping within a pink/purple theme this year though.

These are the hummingbird petunias. See the long throaty stem on them. My hummingbirds love them.

I really love being in the yard except for the heat and mosquitoes. Anything I see just appeals to me so much. I was out yesterday morning when I spotted some things that just tickled me to death. Like I said, it doesn't take much to make my heart happy.

I found some mushrooms growing in our yard yesterday morning. I immediately thought about a book I read while in elementary school about a frog that lived under a toad stool. It told all about his adventures in life. I remember wishing I could live under a toad stool. Ah, the minds of a child.

Our plum tree has plums on it again this year. Now the tricky part is getting to them before the birds or something else gets them. They are usually delicious.

I absolutely love my church and the people that make up the body of believers at Riley's Creek Baptist Church. It has been so refreshing to be a part of a church that has a genuine love for one another. Help is always there when you need and even when you don't realize you need help. After some experiences in life, I treasure this more than anything. I can hardly wait to get there on Sunday and see everyone and hear a great sermon. I love our Pastor as well, he is such a nice man. It means a lot to have a pastor that you can call on when you need them.

This picture was taken by my Aunt Carolyn....she is working on a secret project...SHH!!!

I loved this next thing yesterday, because it was soooo hottttt!!! I love a swimming pool, and I had it all to myself.

Thanks to my aunt for letting me come and swim!!

I love lots of things, but these are just a few things that I did yesterday that made me soooo happy:-)

Eclectic For Sure!!

2011-05-23T06:12:00.000-04:00

This is just an eclectic blog about things that have happened in the last little bit or things that I just find fascinating. This will also be a rambling blog as I have been up since 3am and a little bored. I did manage to do 2 loads of laundry and shelve 3 boxes of books this morning...so at least my time was put to good use.

We have 4 hummingbirds so far this year....at least that is how many we have counted. I have really enjoyed them so much this year. Even though those little things fight on each other, they are still fun to watch. I have spent hours at our back door trying to get just the right picture of them, and that has not been easy for every good picture I take,I delete 20 fuzzy ones. They only come to the feeder one at a time, but the other ones buzz and hoover close by.

I was shocked at this picture I took. I am no budding photographer, but I don't think that I did too bad.

Our bucket garden and flowers are doing really well. We actually have 3 grape tomatoes on that plant and blooms, blooms, blooms on all the other plants. Our squash and pepper plants are both budding out. I planted lots of flowers this year...more than I have in such a long time. I think this is due to the fact that the outside of our house looks so good since we had new siding put on the house. Other years, we would plant and the flowers were pretty, but it made the house look even worse.

I love this container of flowers. These were just the left overs I had after buying way too many, but I think they turned out gorgeous.

I went crazy buying petunias this year. Why, I don't know, because I hate dead heading these things. I did find a hummingbird petunia this year...will have to take a picture of it later and post. The hummers love it.

I have done some treasure shopping in the last little bit. I actually hit the jackpot and found me some clothes. Some top name brand capris for only $1 and $2 each. A nice purse for $1 and 2 brand new pictures to go in my new bathroom for only $1.50. While shopping for myself, I always keep my eyes peeled for anything that I think I can sell on Ebay. This past week I found an Iwata Airbrush. Not sure what that is exactly, but for $2.50 I brought it home. I am happy to say as of this post it is at $56 on Ebay with 29 people watching it and it still has over a day left on bid. Let me say for every one thing I pick up like this, I pick up lots of dud's in between that make a small if any profit on Ebay. Not always lucky on picking up things that makes me a big profit, but it is nice when that happens.

My best find lately for Ebay. Wish I could find something is profitable everytime.

This weekend was the Blingo Cruise sponosored by Park Lane Jewelry, to which I am huge fan of their jewelry (okay, I love all jewelry...I confessed). My mom, Aunt Carolyn and I set out on this girls day out, and we were not disappointed. I won twice in Blingo, mom and aunt Carolyn also won and mom won a door prize...a gift certificate for a pet grooming. She loved it, not so sure Abbey will like it. We took off on the party boat full of bling...I was in heaven. It was so nice and elegantly set up with a great buffet (jewelry and food...what else could you possibly want). It was fun to spend some time out with some ladies. Heather Clayton and her mom, Michele went as well and sat with us. I got to see a live pelican up close, and you know I had to take a picture of him. It truly is the little things in life that make me happy. The Park Lane Jewelers put on a great event. No selling on the cruise, just winning lots of prizes and some beautiful jewelry. The other thing that I loved is that they made sure everyone on the cruise won a piece of jewelry, so everyone went home a winner. I love this group of jewelers (no, Sandi...I am not signing up to sell. LOL Well, not yet anyway.)

The girls (that makes us sound so young. LOL) are ready to go and win us some new bling on this Blingo Cruise.

This pelican was just way too cool to pass up a photo of him.

Heather and her mom, Michele. They won was nice looking bling as well. Heather and I always modeled some bling in the fashion show. They didn't let us keep it though:-(

The two pieces that I won playing Blingo. You got to choose your own piece. Notice that I picked the 2 biggest pieces that were offered. LOL If you know me, you know that I love big jewelry.

Standing at the boat as our lovely day ended.

This has been a great week. Didn't get everything accomplished that I wanted to, but there is always next week. I plan to start this week out in somebody's pool....LOL I am praying for a sunny day today. I have been invited to come and swim at so many pools, and I really hope they meant what they said, because ready or not...I am coming. LOL This blog has been typed from 5am to 6am since sleep has eluded my body (this is so if you see typing errors you will understand. LOL). I see an early breakfast in my future and then I am off to see what kind of mischief I can get myself into today. Tootles!!

Found Discarded!!!

2011-05-13T19:41:00.000-04:00

Our church is redoing its library this year. In the hall way at the church are piles of free books from the old library. We spent Monday morning going through all those discarded books. I found several that I love. I especially love poetry and I found 2 Helen Steiner Rice books. I wanted to share 2 of the poems in her books that just jumped out at me.

Show Me The Way

God, help me in my own small way

To somehow do something each day

To show You that I love You best

And that my faith will stand each test.

And let me serve You every day

And feel You near me when I pray

Oh, hear my prayer, dear God above,

And make me worthy of Your love!

~Helen Steiner Rice

I Think of You and

I Pray for You, Too

Often during a busy day

I pause for a minute

to silently pray,

I mention the names

of those I love

And treasured friends

I am fonest of.

For it doesn't matter

where we pray

If we honestly mean

the words that we say,

For God is always

listening to hear

The prayers that are made

by a heart that's sincere.

~Helen Steiner Rice

I really love poetry and there are so many good ones in these two books, and I only shared 2 of them. You never know what kind of treasure you are discarding in life.

A Little of This & A Little of That!!!

2011-05-11T16:19:00.000-04:00

The one thing I love about this time of year is all the smells that the earth produces. Fresh cut grass, hay being cut and baled and honeysuckle.

Honeysuckle is probably my favorite scent this time of year, along with Carolina jasmine. It is never over powering but you just catch a whiff of it now and then. As a child, I remember going out and eating the honey out of the blossoms. I did this along with chewing sour grass. What memories!!!
I love flowers and this Spring has not been a disappointment of bushes in full bloom and flowers showing off. I stand amazed at how beautiful God has painted this earth.

The bush above is at my mother in laws. I think that it is a type of rose. It is beside the old fashion rose bush, but I am not quite sure about this one. I just know that it is gorgeous and this picture doesn't do it justice.

I went to do a little treasure hunting today. Not anything major was found. I got some little toys for the toy box here for .15 each, and found a glass canister to put in some left over cereal for a dime. The one thing I did find was an unique lipstick holder for .25. I love it!!!

It holds 5 tubes of lipstick. Not a bad deal for a quarter.

I thought that it had a unique flair and look to it. I love anything that will help get you organized.

I found this book called "My Soul Thirsts for God" reflections on the Psalms. I have really enjoyed reading it, and I have learned so many new things. This was one of my favorite quotes in the book, "We often ask God to accompany us through life's dark passageways. But instead of dismissing Him when your special needs are met, cling to Him as if your life depended on it; because IT DOES!!!!"

That reminds me of the times we use God as a band aid or a quick fit to our problems. We want Him so close during the dark times, but just as soon as we see the light at the end of the tunnel; we start tossing God off like a worn garment.

I have had friends like this as well. They know I am married to a pastor, and when things are going crazy in their life they call, email or text wanting us to pray for them. And I do pray for them. We have communication almost daily during their crisis. Just as soon as life is going more their way, I don't hear from them too much and eventually I don't hear from them at all. I often feel like a band aid friend. Remember their jingle? "I am stuck on Band aid, because band aid stuck on me." I will stick with them as long as they want to stick with me.

That doesn't really bother me because I often think that sometimes it is the little things that you do that makes an eternal impact. I don't believe in my heart that I have to do big or elaborate things to make an eternal difference.

If You're Happy and You Know It!!!

2011-05-10T02:00:00.000-04:00

I just watched a news piece on CBS saying that Boulder, Co was the happiest place in America to live. They factor in many reason, one being the economy, which doesn't seem to be struggling there like most places. The other interesting fact is less than 10% of that town smokes and less than 13% are considered obese. They are just happy people living in a happy town. Over all, the states that were happy were Hawaii and Alaska. Which to me seems to make sense...who wouldn't be happy in paradise. Alaska, I might need to try it to see where all the happiness is coming from on that one (grizzles and snow doesn't shout happy to me). Not one single southern city made the list of being happy. I am happy here in the south, but are others around me that unhappy in life??? Is there something in the air around us making the majority of the people feel unhappy??? I don't think so!!! I think happiness is a state of mind. You can get up in the morning and let everything that is thrown at you get you down and have you so depressed that you can't function or you can always look on the bright side of things and know that better things are ahead. I am not saying that there won't be days that you just can't help but feel down, but it shouldn't be everyday. Happiness is sometimes more mental than environmental or your circumstances in life. Sometimes unhappiness is a choice for some. It is their attention getter or sympathy caller, and if you are in their world...it gets old fast. There are times in life that not everything goes our way and bad news is given to us, but it is all about the attitude. If you go through life always being the victim, always feeling sorry for yourself, always envious of others and always having the "whoa is me attitude" then you will live a miserable existence. Early on in my life, I decided not to live that miserable existence. Does that mean life has always been great and carefree??? NO!!! I have lost children, my husband almost died from an undiscovered disease, we have been persecuted by others, my parents have had bad health news as well as my in laws and I could go on and on as most of you could do the same. I could be sitting here now wallering in self pity, but I choose to face life with a smile. God is my rock...with Him I face the world with a smile and a song in my heart. Which brings me to the next thing that bothers me...Christians who are always down and act like they have nothing to live for in this world. I am talking about Christians who are sour, always unhappy and have the bless me if you can attitude. As Christians we should be the happiest people in the world. We have life and we have it more abundantly. He didn't say that the more abundant part would be a fancy house, new cars or a shiny boat. Happiness should not be things that you can see and touch, but more on things you can't see. If we could really see our future today...would we want to?? I wouldn't. Why? Because God's grace is sufficent for the things that I am going through at each stage of my life. I rely on His grace and His strength to see me through these situations. It as been said that happiness is controled by situations, but JOY comes from the Lord. I remember a little song that we use sing in the preschool class...."The joy of the Lord is my strength." He is our strength in those dark times....He says that we are more than conquerors. If you really believe that, then don't live the defeated life. If you're happy and you know it....clap your hands.

I Did It!!

2011-05-08T18:37:00.000-04:00

If you read my blog from last year on Mother's Day, you will know that I struggle with standing or sitting when they recongize all the mother's. The reason is that our children are in heaven, and not here on earth. It has been something that I have struggled with for 16 years.

This year, I STOOD!!! For the first time in my life, I stood with all the mother's. I was so nervous that I was shaking for some reason. Mark had to lead the singing today and he was sitting up front. Suddenly, I felt someone grab my hand and it was Chris who was sitting next to me...such a great church. After I sat down his wife, Jan, patted my leg and Chris just kept patting me on my shoulder...such encouragement. I am thankful for great friends like that. Also, Mark and I were singing and then I was told the tape deck blew so we would have to sing acapella, but I didn't care....because I had STOOD!!! We ended up having music and all went great.

This is a slide that Mark gave me some years back. It is twin girls and their names are engraved on the front and their birth/death date is on the back. I wore it today for the first time in 10 years. The main reason I don't wear it is to avoid the questions. Most love it because it is a unique piece, but admiring it comes with questions sometimes that I don't feel like answering. But I wore it proudly today.

My sweet husband gave me this card today, and it was a funny card...just the kind I like. I also got a massage as my Mother's Day gift. How sweet of him. I loved this Mother's Day!!! Instead of dredging it, I finally embraced it!!!

How Does My Garden Grow???

2011-05-06T12:12:00.000-04:00

Why in buckets of course!!!

After several people in our church had success with bucket gardens, we decided to give it a try this year. Tomatoes, peppers, squash and zucchini is all that we did. My grape tomato plant already has blooms on it. This is also a way to try and not have the fire ants get in our garden. Take a five gallon bucket and drill 1/2" holes in the side(we did 4), add marble chips then garden soil and you are ready to plant. We drilled our holes 2" from the bottom in the side. That way they can drain, but still hold enough water for the the plant to drawl from in the days to come.

These are the old fashion roses that grow along our fence line. I couldn't resist cutting some today and making me a bouquet to enjoy.

No Such Thing as Little!!!

2011-04-23T19:06:00.001-04:00

My friend put this quote as her status today on Facebook and it really made me think.

"Don't cast the first stone, unless you are prepared to have a boulder thrown back."

I loved this quote, because that is the way we has humans/Christians feel so much about sin. We put sin a category...small sins and big sins. Christ never labeled sin...sin is sin...big or small. We all sin everyday, but sometimes we are quicker to point out someone else's sin because we think it is bigger. Jesus died for all sin...sometimes we forget that sin is just that...SIN...not big, not small...JUST SIN. Let's all remember this quote before pointing a finger or before talking about what someone else is doing. I am thankful that on the cross Jesus died for all sin.

What's That Deer????

2011-04-21T17:24:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful sight to greet us while eating breakfast this morning from the sunroom window. I had never seen them come so close to the house before. Enjoy the view as we did this morning.

These 3 beautiful deer greeted us Good Morning, and in a flash they were gone. Glad we got to see them. They were gorgeous.

Unexpected!!!

2011-04-20T15:07:00.000-04:00

I decided to hit a few thrift stores today because I haven't been in a while. I first hit the library book sale and got three books for .30....can't beat that cheap entertainment. Then I decided to go over to Goodwill. I found this unusual basket with thread and needles for $5. I bought it, and when I got home it had over 21 pairs of vintage knitting needles in it. Plus some crochet hooks and lots more miscellaneous knitting items. Let's just say that all that is already on Ebay. I also found Mark a hawaiian shirt for $1 and me a pair of shorts for $1...they are the perfect fit and cute.

Then it was off to my favorite thrift store...Whispering Pines. I bought a Disney clock for .50...a great bargain and it looks brand new....Ebay item.

I found scrapbook scissors at .50 each and bought 3 pair...you never know when you will need these. I found boxes of nails and screws for .50 to $1 and these are expensive when you go to the home improvement stores. I found baby vtech cartridges for .35 each...Ebay item.

I also found 2 things that I have been looking for....a white pair of sandals (been too cheap to buy at the store...all the ones I saw were over $20)and I have been wanting the Pampered Chef cheese grater ($19.50). I got a pair of white Naturalizer sandals for $1 and the brand new in the box Pampered Chef cheese grater for $2. I was so excited.

This was just a whirlwind trip today....totally unexpected. Wasn't planned, but I love how God let me get things I needed and wanted at a great price.

Say, Say, Say!!!

2011-04-19T17:25:00.000-04:00

I love reading church signs as we travel. Here are just a few that really stuck with me over the last little bit. I saw the first one just today as we were traveling.

"Winners make commitments, Losers make promises."

Not sure how spiritual that really is, but it does apply to church life. I have often heard, "Give the faithful a job, don't give a job to make them faithful." Kind of on the same wave length.

"Seven days without prayer makes one weak"

I really like that, because let your prayer life slack off and your judgement is clouded and you can easily be swayed. I know when I fail to keep the communication line open with the Lord, I can tell a whole attitude change within myself.

"Come on it, the Son is always shining."

Being from the coast, I love this one very much. There is never a cloudy day with the Son.

"Turn or Burn" and "Smoking or Non-Smoking"

I like these because they make you realize that hell is a real place. I have never understood why people believe in a heaven, but not hell. It is just as real as heaven.

I loved this one, as this is what I wanted to say sometimes as a pastor's wife, but my tongue has the bite marks to prove that I bit my tongue. I have always loved people who I haven't seen at church in years want to move their membership. These are the people that are always mowing their grass when you get out of church, so you know they are not going somewhere else. Although they do feel compeled to call the pastor to tell them that they are changing churches...I guess to stop the "We miss you" cards. LOL

I have seen this a lot lately. I am guessing because of the economy. Bad economy is not an excuse to stop tithing, but more like a good excuse to start in my book.

These are just a few that I really like. This is how I spend a lot of my time while traveling. I even bought a note book to record the ones that really speak to me in it. So when you are riding down the road take notice of what the church signs say.

Back in Time!!!

2011-04-13T03:03:00.000-04:00

This week Mark shared some fabulous news with me. Pastor Bays and Ms. Dot are back in NC. Pastor Bays was my pastor during my teenage years at Forest Hills Baptist Church. He left and went to Alabama while I was away at school. Church for me was never the same when I came home. The excitement had left our church, and church is never the same while you are searching for a pastor. After all the flock is missing its under shepherd. I married a preacher and we started our journey in the ministry. We would go and minister at churches and then leave, and I often wondered what impact that had on some of the people. I now know, a big impact on some as I have reconnected with members on Facebook.

Not that I worshiped Pastor Bays, but I learned lots of things under his ministry. He and Ms. Dot had a genuine love for their flock, and it showed. I felt like I grew under his ministry, after all he is the one who took us to Fruitland for my first glimpse of where the Lord would lead me (also where I met Mark). He was so passionate about the Lord and his euthesism was catching. I still have the bible the church gave me for graduation. I carried it from 1989 until 2002 when the cover came completely off. I remember the verse written in the front. It was Joshua 1:8 "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." I know the church nor the pastor realized just how much I would read and reread this passage of scripture over the years.

Our pastor, Jim Herchenhahn, is doing a revival in Roseboro this week. Guess where?? At Pastor Bays' church. I was thrilled when Mark told me this (he is such the little detective). We made plans to attend on Monday night. I could not wait!!! Finally after 20 years, I was going to get to see Mr. and Mrs. Bays. I got my bible and my camera and off to Roseboro we went.

My biggest amazement was that The Bays' looked just like they did at Forest Hills 20 years ago.

I promise you that they looked just like this when I was 16 at Forest Hills Baptist.

After we gabbed and somewhat caught up before the service, we sat with Ms. Dot and waited to hear Pastor Herchenhahn's sermon. First though, Mr. Bays led the singing before the sermon. He started out by saying one side was going to sing one thing and the other side was going to sing another phrase. While singing, I was whisked away to a time in my past. I was 16 years old sitting beside Ms. Dot at Forest Hills. It was a flash back into a time that I treasure in my life. All these memories came back....past sermons, songs, Dexter, outings, homecoming, singings and practical jokes played by none other than the pastor and wife. It was wonderful seeing them again. I am so glad that they are close by.

I am totally thrilled to be standing between these two people. My heart was filled with so much excitement in anticipation of seeing them again.

The icing on the cake was that my current pastor, Pastor Herchenhahn, was there as well. We just love Pastor Herchenhahn and Ms. Jean so much. We are growing and learning so much under his ministry. So, I got to be in the same service as my two favorite pastors. It was a wonderful evening.

Sweet Surprise!!!

2011-04-11T16:23:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Mark and I sang at church. I think this might have been our first time singing here, but I was so nervous....thought I might throw up. But I got through it, and it wasn't that bad. After the service, I was surprised with some flowers by Jenny. It such a sweet gesture. It really melted my heart. She will never know how much that simple gesture meant to me. I love the fact that she thought so much of me to go and pick these for me before coming to church.

Thanks Jenny for the beautiful flowers.

WOW!!!

2011-04-01T17:50:00.000-04:00

I saw this saying in a magazine today, and it just struck a chord with me. I guess I stress so much by trying to have everything perfect in life...I think now I will stop and enjoy my wonderful life.

Lessons!!!

2011-03-31T10:34:00.000-04:00

Here are a few things I have learned along the way in this journey called life.

1. God knows my heart, and I hide nothing from him.
2. You really only have a few good friends in life.
3. Your family loves you no matter what happens in life.
4. God is faithful to see us through all things.
5. Marriage is one of the best things to happen to me.
6. God has chosen the right direction for your life...you have to listen.
7. Life really is short.
8. The older you get the more time flies.
9. You don't always get what you want.
10. Life is an adventure, so enjoy the smooth rides along with the bumpy rides and don't complain....it doesn't get you anywhere.

Spring Fever!!!

2011-03-26T14:07:00.004-04:00

Okay, I know that it is only March, but when the temperature is in the 80's and you have to use some aloe because of all sun you got...Spring Fever hits. Now this weekend it is cold and rainy, but I still have the fever and our yard is reflecting that fever.

I planted a lot of dianthus...I fell in love with these flowers while we were at Midway. This was our Mother's Day flower every year.

Petunias!!! These in this pot are the carpet petunias. I love them.

Some baskets of flowers are a result of buying too many. LOL

Mark put up some over the rail baskets for me, and I planted the wave petunias in these. I can't wait for them to cascade over.

I am loving this new deck!!!

As you can see, Spring Fever has hit me BIG time. I just hope and pray that this little cold snap doesn't hurt them. Having the outside of our house look so nice definitely inspired me to do more planting this year. WOOHOO!!! Spring is here....but so is the pollen:-( But that is what they make Claratin for....LOL

2011-03-26T14:07:00.001-04:00

Little Friends!!!

2011-03-17T15:50:00.000-04:00

When you don't have kids, you just seem to adopt other people's children. We have lots of "little friends" as I call them, but I am just going to show off two today. These have to be the sweetest kids I know (I will probably say that about each one later on), but seriously these two are adorable. They sit in front of us in church each Sunday and never a peek is heard from them. I probably make more noise than these two do during service. You can't help but fall in love with Emma and Wade. Aren't they both sharp dressers??? He is totally fascinated with our pastor, and what a great role model to have. I love her new cute hair cut.

I will say that they are more adorable in person. They are just the two sweetest most polite kids. Such a great testimony of their up bringing. They have great parents, and it was a pleasure to meet their grandmother and aunts a few weeks ago.

Wade was so adorable in his suit. He is a little heart stealer. He and his sister, Emma, seem to really love one another. I love sitting behind them every Sunday and watching them interact with one another. We have visited them at their home and they are just as sweet. I am happy to call them my "little friends."

Crazy Mixed Up!!!

2011-03-16T04:19:00.000-04:00

The title for the blog is because there will be a variety of things talked about in this blog that are totally unrelated. Now I know most of you thought from the title that I was going to talk about myself. LOL

First let me say that I love remodeling. Not that I am actually doing any of the work, but I love it. We (by we, I mean my Uncle Harold) is taking a closet and making us a half bath. I am thrilled to pieces. If you are a multi bathroom family, you might not be so thrilled, but we are a one bath family right now; and it doesn't always work. I have loved watching the process of our little house transform right before our very eyes. The only problem is before we get through with one thing, I want to do something else. LOL

This is the end of our home before our improvements began. The poor wreath did not help at all. LOL

This is the finished product of our remodeling. New siding, new windows and new doors.

Our flowers were very pretty this spring. I have loved watching them bloom. I have raised my windows (only since I have new ones) and let the cool spring feeling air come in, but I noticed our pine trees are brimming with yellow balls of pollen...so maybe no more raised windows for us.

Our daffodils that we planted the first fall we moved here were gorgeous this year.

We planted this daffodils our first there as well, and my cow (which I love) was a yard sale find for only $1.

Up close and personal with the flowers. They had such vibrant color this year.

Our gorgeous yellow bell bushes. They always seem to show off. My grandmother planted these when she lived there. If I am not mistaken, I think these are cutting off her mom's bushes. My great grandmother died at age 91 in 1979 (I think), so I think that it is pretty cool these bushes are a product of some that she had. Family heritage in a plant. I must admit that we haven't been that diligent about working in our yard. The reason is, every time we had the yard looking great the house with all the rotten siding made it look horrible. It seemed to be a wasted effort. But now that our house looks great on the outside, I am excited about planting and doing more things outside.

My father in law seems to have improved on his new dementia medicine. Sometimes a little too well. I say that because hurdles that we have over come before like, no driving and someone else handling finances has resurfaced. We thought these were things that were firm in his mind, but the medicine has worked so well that we are facing these hurdles again. We have found (thanks to my sister in law) that typing a letter to him works. He will reread it over and over again, so things stick in his mind. This has saved us from having to repeat ourselves. I was proud of him today as he realized that the time, day and date was wrong on the clock. You would have to leave here to know how many times a day Mark and I tell him the day and the date. We are thankful for any progress he makes.

Our sweet niece Anna just found out that she is having twins. We are super duper delighted. They are due in September. Some of you may know that Mark and I lost twin girls on September 15, 1994. I would be so excited if her twins were born on this day. We can't choose these things, but I can hope. She found out that they are identical, so we are getting two of something. We are so excited for her and Mitchell.

We are so happy for Anna and Mitchell on their expectant arrival of twins. We will be praying hard for the safety of their arrival.

I have had a noisy visitor at my house lately. I can't really say much because I feed him, so I guess he won't go away now. Meet...Chicken and Dumplings.

This is our neighbor's rooster who spends more time at our house than his. He is funny!! He eats birdseed along with Willy (our squirrel) and the birds. He doesn't crow in the morning, he waits to around 3 pm. I love watching him strut around our yard. He is a hero though. A week ago, a hawk swooped down and almost had a small hen, but Chicken and Dumplings ran over and spurred and pecked that hawk. He let the hen go, and Chicken and Dumplings carried her to safety under the grape vine. A true hero in his own right.

Fun Day!!!

2011-02-21T09:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Mark and I decided to go the movies. Note that this only happens a few times a year. There is never nothing we want to see. But Big Momma's Like Father Like Son was coming out and I really wanted to see it.

I loved the movie...it was so funny. The only thing that I didn't like was the price of the movie and popcorn. It cost us around $35 to see the movie and have popcorn. This is really why we don't go and see that many movies. We could have went and ate a nice dinner or bought an outfit. Geez!!

Then after the movie, while we were already in Mayfaire; I decided to spend my Valentine's gift card. I was happy I did...SALES!!! My first stop was Bath and Body Works.

Buy 3 and get 3 free. WOOHOO!! I was in smelling good heaven. I got the whole Hawaii Coconut collection. I got some for my birthday and I love it. I also got the Dancing Waters and Bali Mango. I am going to smell like a fruit salad. LOL

Then it was over to Belk's to spend my other gift card. I had planned on buying sandals or some capri's. That did not happen. I barely made it through the front door before I had my purchases in my hand.

This was my favorite purchase an Etienne Aigner bag for only $7.50. It may be last year's bag, but it will be this year's bag for me. When you can get a $68 bag for less than $10, then that is a great deal.

I next got a gray beaded bracelet and earrings to match at outfit that I already have for next to nothing. You take 50% off the listed price, which means I got the earrings for $5 and the bracelet for $6. I love it!! Plus I still have money left on my card.

After I spent my Valentine's gift, we went and ate Hibachi, and meet some of the nicest people that sat at our grill. It was such a fun day and it was beautiful out to make it even better. A day spent with Mark is always a great day.

Surprise!!!

2011-02-18T18:51:00.000-05:00

This was the beautiful surprise that I got when I went around the house. Nestled at the end of our house between a bush was this yellow daffodil. Such a nice surprise. I just had to pick it!!!

Last One!!!

2011-02-15T12:53:00.000-05:00

Frank Buckles turns 110 year old today. WOW!!! What is more amazing is that he is last surviving American veteran of WWI. He currently lives in Charles Town, WV and lives independantly. He still drives...not sure how well, but he is able to care for himself and get around. What a blessing is that? He lied to get into service at the age of 16. He was captured by the Japanese in the 40's and spent 3 and half years in a prisoner of war camp. While in the prison camp, he became malnourished and weighed under 100 pounds. He served in the army for 28 years. Today, I salute Mr. Buckles on his service to our country and fighting for us.

Frank Buckles at age 16.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. BUCKLES!!!

THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE

Valentine's, Birthday and Babies!!!

2011-02-14T21:29:00.000-05:00

Today started with me and my friend Kelly celebrating my birthday. Yes, I said birthday!! She had the flu when my birthday rolled around and we didn't get to celebrate together. So today was the day we hit the town and celebrated the big 4-0. We did a little shopping and ate at Flaming Amy's Bowl, which you can see my thoughts on that on my new blog, Port City Restaurant Report. We had a grand time, and she showered me with gifts...she is greatest friend.

After returning home, Mark and I exchanged gifts and I was surprised with roses and gift cards. I love him so much!!

Later went to Nikki's Hibachi Steak House for dinner. I love it there, and especially the half price hibachi entrees from 4 to 6 pm. We had a nice dinner and enjoying each other's company.

On the way home, we got a phone call with wonderful news. Our niece Anna and her husband are expecting not one baby, but 2 babies....she is having twins. We are so excited. I can hardly wait for September to get here. We love you two!!!

This has been a day of celebrating birthdays, Valentine's Day and new life!! We are so very blessed.

EMERGENCY!!!

2011-02-12T23:26:00.000-05:00

I went to the emergency room tonight for my swollen lip...again. This was after I had been earlier today to the Urgent Care for the same thing. As I check in they call to the back with these words, "I have a 40 year old female..". A 40 YEAR OLD....okay, so maybe turning 40 hasn't exactly hit me yet. My birthday has come and gone, but the age 40 has come to stay....whether I like it or not. I keep saying that I just had my "BIG" birthday, but I never actually say the number...denial...I know. Even though some say, "You don't look 40."....well, I am. Usually these are 80 some year old women squinting through bifocals and cataracts who are ranting about how young I look. I have a whole year to get use to the new age, but tonight it just kind of hit me between the eyes. As she hung the phone up, I almost forgot my real emergency, except that the breath was leaving me due to the fact that my mouth was swelling shut. So, tonight there was a 40 year old female in room one. Oh yeah, that was me.

They Have My Life!!!

2011-02-10T18:19:00.000-05:00

It started when I was in elementary school. I fell in love with the prairie life, or the pioneer life after reading the Little House on the Prairie books. There was something facinating about that way of life. Raising livestock and your own vegetables, making bread, sewing clothing, making quilts, tending crops in the field and going fishing with a cane pole. Then reality set in and prairie life didn't look so appealing. I mean going to an outhouse, no air conditioner, no running water, no electricity, getting up at 3 am and going to bed at 6 pm and no internet...what was I thinking. Maybe I need to be a 21st century rancher with a helicopter.

Also, if every rancher/pioneer had luck the way the Ingalls family had luck, then NO THANK to the ranch life. Those poor people always had one disaster after another. The only other family that had worse luck was either the Walton's or the Evans Family from Good Times. Urban family, country family and pioneer family...all with bad luck. Then I grew up and found that those things are just life...no matter what era you lived in.

I still have my dreams of looking out my window at snow capped mountains and red barns, but they are just dreams. For one thing I live on less than an acre of land...not exactly a sprawling ranch spread. My vision of snow capped mountains and red barns are only in my mind. No cattle rides or branding parties in my future, unless I visit a dude ranch on vacation.

For the life me I don't really know why I would even like to live on ranch. For one thing I am scared to death of a horse...which I think is essential to living on a ranch. I want to believe that if I was living on a ranch that horses would be my friend...not sure about that.

After all my dreaming, I stumbled upon this lady's blog who is living my life. Well, not my life exactly but the one I have dreamed about since the 5th grade. Meet Ree Drummond and her family who live on a cattle ranch in Oklahoma. Well, Oklahoma was not my dream spot, but she is living on a ranch. She has a fantastic blog that gets over 2 million hits a week...I have 12 followers and my daddy. Her daily life is so fasinating that I can't wait to see what happens next, and yes, they have disasters as well. They didn't have any water for the longest time due to the snow and ice and that is needed for cattle to live I learned.

After reading post after post on her blog, I thought...this lady is living the life that I have dreamed about. Clad in jeans and boots she goes out with her husband to feed the cattle. Which brought me to another question. Can you live on a ranch and wear capri's and flip flops? Not a fan of my feet being hot, and I think that I look cutier in capri's than jeans. So after I weigh in on my likes and dislikes and being afraid of horses, maybe the ranch life should and always just be a dream.

THE BIG ONE!!!

2011-02-09T13:43:00.002-05:00

I was totally shocked this past Saturday as I walked into our church fellowship hall. I walked in totally expecting to go to a friend's birthday bash. Instead, I found out that I was at my own 40th Surprise Party. In spite of the dreary horrible weather, lots of people came out to help me celebrate this milestone. I hadn't even thought about a party. I thought that me and some of my friends would get together and do lunch on my birthday, which by the way was yesterday. It was a great festive celebration complete with a great meal. Lots of well wishes, cards and gifts. My parents and some ladies at church really pulled one on me.

Then on Sunday night, Mark and I went to Nikki's Steakhouse and Sushi to celebrate this BIG time just a little more. The waitress bought me fried cheese cake with a sparkler in it. She would not sing to me though.

Monday found me at the mall to get my massage, my present from Mark. Heather spent an hour making me totally relax and release stress and knotted muscles. It was a great massage, and something I now what to do once a week. LOL After my great massage, Mark and I went out to celebrate a little more with Fish and Chips at the Fox and Hound....delish!!

Tuesday was the official big day. I started the day off at Scrunch Hair Salon getting highlights and hoping to look a little younger. LOL My parents along with my aunt and uncle and Mark celebrated my official birthday dinner at Midtown Seafood...my choice. I had crab legs and oysters. Everything was great. I didn't officially turn 40 until 8:48 PM last night. That is the time I was born 40 years ago. My dad use to pick on me growing up and tell me that I wasn't official until that time. When you are 10 or 16 you don't want to hear that, but at 40 I gladly waited to be officially 40 until 8:48 last night. Watch out 40's here I come!!!

My big 40 balloon.

My official 40th Birthday picture.

Crab legs for my 40th birthday dinner.

And oysters for the birthday girl.

My sundae!!

I love the napkin at my surprise party!!

Heather, who gave me the best massage ever.

Thanks Mark for this gift.

Welcome!!!

2011-01-26T00:00:00.008-05:00

Yesterday my husband, Mark, join the blogging world with his own devotional blog. I am so proud of him for embracing the blogging world. He also joined Facebook in the last couple of weeks. He is moving up in the world. He has lots of great devotions and insight to God's Word, and I am thankful that God is using him in this new aspect of a ministry. Enjoy the blogging Mark!!