Random Thought Girl

That's what it's all about!

2012-01-30T16:29:00.000-05:00

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As I get older, I realize that so many things are changing. Suddenly I am "watching what I am eating.". That usually means that I keep an eyeball on the chocolate cake as I shovel it in my mouth. Which brings me to another change, the fact that I just can't get rid of that extra layer. I am certain that it is left over from Thanksgiving/Christmas celebration, and as soon as spring hits it will simply fall off... Then Easter will come.

I am realizing that my view on things have changed bit. Back in the day I would see a huge home, with 2 new cars, a boat, and maybe an RV parked around back; and I would think "Now that's what it is all about.". Now I see that and I think "man, I would hate to have all of those payments. That would STINK!". lol. That's what Dave Ramsey does for you :).

I saw something this morning, it was my son. He had just jumped out of my car, and was walking up the sidewalk and into the front doors of his school. Devon is not one to simply walk though, he was doin' a little dance as he walked. I laughed, almost to the point of crying. I watched him for as long as I could without getting run over by the mom behind me. As I drove away I thought, "Now that's what it's all about!"

Thank you God for giving me those moments! I love you Daddy!

Pumpkin carving with a Jesus twist :)

2011-10-28T16:34:00.001-04:00

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I can talk to my kids ALL DAY LONG, and I think sometimes all they hear is " Wahhh Wahhh Wahhh (charlie brown sound ). They really learn when I can give them something visual. I found this great pumpkin carving activity, and I'm looking forward to trying it with my kids. Enjoy!

heritagebuilders.com. You can find the full exercise in the “Family Night Tool Chest – Holiday’s” at http://www.heritagebuilders.com/holidays.html

Tell your kids about becoming a new creation when you start to carve the pumpkin.
Show them the stuff we pull out of the pumpkin is like the yucky sin that’s inside us.
Tell them how Jesus cleans us out when we confess our sin.
Carve a happy face on the pumpkin and read 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
Finish by putting a candle in the pumpkin and read Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Where were you on 9/11/01?

2011-09-12T16:02:00.000-04:00

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I love hearing and talking to my kids about 9/11. Mostly because I just don't want the history of where we were and how it felt, to be lost in time. So, we have been talking alot about our experience for the past few days.

I worked at a radio station in Savannah, 94.1 Cat Country.. which is now 94.1 The Beat. I helped to produce the morning show. We had strict rules about entering the studios. You must go to the window and be waved in, because you never knew what you might interrupt otherwise. I remember a group of people coming into the studio and running right past me, amid my protests. They were playing with the TV, and I thought "what in the world is wrong with these people". As I carried on about why everyone had BARGED into my studio, I saw the picture of the first tower burning.

We sat watching the TV discussing that it must have been an accident, but how do you not see a building of that size, maybe mechanical error. After a few minutes, everyone started dispursing and I was again alone in the studio, glued to the TV. It wasn't long after, that the second plane hit. I was very confused. I thought it was a rerun. Then I realized that the first tower had smoke coming out of it, and this was a second hit. I ran out into the hallway yelling "second plane, there was a second plan. They hit the other tower.". Within the next hour, my boss would come in with some semblence of a script and tell me to go on air and announce what had happened. That was one of my hardest times on air. I remember reading what was written, and sobbing the whole time. The rest of the day was a totally blur, trying to balance wanting to grab my family and run home to hide, with the job that I had to do. So that's my story. We all spent the next several weeks watching TV, seeing the fatality numbers rise, and wondering what was next. We got anxious everytime a plane or helicopter flew over, held our kids tighter, and put flags all over our houses and cars.

How about you, what is your story? Where were you, and how did you feel?

Save money on eating out while you're vacationing.

2011-07-14T13:38:00.000-04:00

Share |Great tips to save money on your vacation.
Use the following tips to eat economically and save:

*Plan your Meals: Check out cheap restaurants, eateries and

food stands on your trip route before you set out. Planning
where to eat saves time and money.

*Cook Small Meals: If your hostel has a kitchen, or if you are
camping outside, cook your own meals to save money.

*Carryover Dinners for Breakfast: While eating dinner, order bread or a dish that you can eat for breakfast. This works out cheaper than eating breakfast at a restaurant.

*Carry Basic Food Items: (This is one that we do ALOT!)Always buy bread, jam, cheese and
noodle soup packets at supermarkets. You can quickly put together your meals anywhere and save money. (Packing your family's favorite drinks will save you TONS of money!)

*Eat at Cafes and Bakeries: Buy fresh foods from bakeries and
cafes; this works out much cheaper than expensive dinners and
lunches. Also snack on fresh fruit and bread at night to avoid
heavy dinners. ( I love this tip, because the food is fresh, good, and it's kinda like getting off the beaten path.)
List taken from ShePrep.com

Grilled Peaches

2011-07-08T14:07:00.003-04:00

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WE LOVE PEACHES! Now you know the real reason I moved to the peach state, lol. I found a recipe for Grilled Peaches, and thought I would share. Hope you like it!

Taken from About.com:

Peaches are a natural for the grill, where quick cooking brings out juiciness and intensifies sweetness.

1. Start with peaches that are firm with just a little give when you give them a gentle squeeze with your whole hand.

2. Cut the peaches in half and pit them. You can grill entire peach halves or cut them into wedges. Peeling the peaches isn't necessary for the grill, but you certainly can peel them, if you like.

3. Brush cut side(s) of the peaches with a neutral-tasting oil, like grapeseed or canola.

4. Cook peaches over a medium fire on both sides until grill marks show and peaches are tender but not falling apart.

Serve grilled peaches plain or in salads. Or turn them into delicious desserts by pairing grilled peaches with cool yogurt, whipped cream, or with scoops of ice cream.

This is what I live for...

2011-06-13T20:58:00.000-04:00

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Devon and I were riding in the car today. We were in DEEP discussion about the game that he wanted to play when he got home. In the middle of our discussion, he stops and says "look, GOD!". He pointed to the left of the car, and up. I saw a huge beautiful cloud with rays of sunshine spread out behind it. I said " do you see God?". Devon replied "yes, He's right there, shining His light all over the place." That right there, that is the moment I live for.

Perseverance

2011-06-10T12:31:00.001-04:00

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I ran across some notes today, that I took at a Fresh Grounded Faith conference. I remember these notes being very "God breathed" in my life, at that time. As I read them this morning, they resonate again. God's word is fresh and new everyday. I thought I would share, just in case I am not the only one who needed to hear it. I am going to add a few EXTRA notes :)

*Perseverance - There are times when my fatigue is greater than my faith. (Exodus 16:35) It is better to be in the wilderness with manna, than to be alone in bondage. Part of perseverance is realizing that it will probably get worse, before it gets better. To persevere, we need to:

1. Affirm our true identity... "I am ________." ("I am not of those who shrink back." "I am not of those who give in to what is not true.")

2. Feed truth, starve lies. Starve lies by replacing it with true. Lie #1, "I can't do this."- You have a strength and power that is within you, that can. The power of the creator of all perfect things is within you. That power can overcome ANYTHING that is in your life. It can even overtake YOU. If it means asking for that strength with every breath you take, then that is what you need to do.

3. Plan. Choose habits to end. Anything that misplaces your focus. If it has the appearance of being good, but throws you into a tizzy, it's not of God. If you go to Target to get the things your family needs, but you can't seem to walk out without buying things that you don't, shop somewhere else. If you get on Facebook to keep in touch with your family, but while you're there you look for gossip worthy info, get off Facebook.If eating a "lite" dinner, will have you up at midnight searching for a bowl of cocoa puffs... We know the things in our life that "feed the beast".... no food= starve the beast. Emotions can be the source of alot of irrational decisions (can I get an amen?) Ask yourself the H.A.L.T. questions. Am I ... H-hungry? A-angry?
L-lonely? T-tired? You would be surprised what I can come up with when I'm hungry :)

4. Practice. Find someone who is on the other side of what you are trying to get past and imitate her. Ecc 4:10-11.

Remember: What you think may drown you, will cleanse you.

Thanks so much to strong women like Jennifer Rothschild, for guiding us by being open and honest about their struggles.

Bringing up Boys

2011-04-25T09:06:00.000-04:00

Share | "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Prov 23:7 NKJV

Since Truth was born, I have said "She will become what we tell her she is." Now I have scripture proof :).

Resurrection Rolls are mmmazing!

2011-04-21T16:30:00.001-04:00

Share | This is such a great way to share the resurrection with your children.

Resurrection Rolls

Contributed by Kristi. Thank-you!

Ingredients:

1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
8 large marshmallows
Melted butter
Cinnamon
Sugar

Directions:

Give each child one triangle shaped section of crescent roll. This represents the tomb.
Each child takes one marshmallow which represents the body of Christ.
Dip the marshmallow in the butter and roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture. This represents the oils and spices the body was anointed with upon burial.
Lay the marshmallow on the dough and carefully wrap it around the marshmallow.
Make sure all seams are pinched together well. (Otherwise the marshmallow will "ooze" out of the seams)
Bake according to package directions.
Cool.
Break open the tomb and the body of Christ is no longer there!!
Celebrate God's love!

http://www.dltk-kids.com/recipes/resurrection_rolls.htm

How to Make an Eco-Chic Shopping Bag

2011-01-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

How to Make an Eco-Chic Shopping Bag

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To get started, carefully cut the sleeves and neck off your t-shirt, leaving a tank-top shaped piece. Turn the t-shirt inside out, then sew the bottom hems shut. Use a boxed corner technique to strengthen the stitch. To do this, put your hand on one bottom corner of the bag and pinch the side and bottom seam together, making sure to line your side and bottom seam up to form a triangle shape.

Then, stick a pin about 2-inches in from the corner. Repeat on the opposite corner. Sew a straight line right where you placed the pin, forming a cross with your seams. Repeat on the other side.

Then, carefully cut 1/2-inch slits into the t-shirt at 1-inch intervals in rows, cutting through both sides of the bag. Continue cutting until the majority of the bag is cut with slits. Flip the bag back to the right side, and you’re ready to carry your groceries in style!

2011-01-20T16:03:00.000-05:00

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Thought today about before I had Devon. I did not want to have more kids. I had truth, and was happy to have her be my only child. Frank always said he wanted more kids, but I just wanted to spoil Truth and not divide my time. I spent 6 years saying "no", when I people asked "when are you going to have more children".

It was great the way that God turned my heart around. I had a dream one night. I was on a train on a sunny beautiful day. Someone handed me a baby. I remember feeling teary eyed in the dream, at how beautiful the baby was. I couldn't take my eyes off of the baby, but I did ask "who's baby is this?". I was so joyful when the answer was, "He is your baby.". I woke up right after that, feeling like I had had my baby ripped out of my arms. I just wanted to go back to sleep and hold that baby again.

That was it. I told Frank that day, that I wanted another baby. I wanted a boy. A little over a year later, I was pregnant. Now, I know that everyone has the standard answer when someone asks "Do you want a boy or a girl?", and you're supposed to say "It doesn't matter, I will be happy either way.". I can tell you that if Devon had been a girl, I would not be writting this right now, and would be head over heels for my baby girl. However, I truely wanted to say "A Boy!!! I want a BOY! I want THAT boy!". You know how the rest of the story goes, had a boy, named him devon, and he is even better than the dream.

The awesome part of all of it, is how God just put that in my heart. I was set. I did not want another child, and did not feel like I was missing anything by not having another child. God knew me better than I even know myself. I thought I was full and missing nothing. God showed me the place where Devon was, and then gave him to me.

I have totally ignored God, at times in my life, and as I reflect on having Devon in my life, I am so glad that this was a moment where I listened. When I didn't ignore a longing God placed in my heart. I was terrified about financial stuff, time, my job (just starting radio, and thought I would have to give it up.). Terrified or not, I knew that this was what God had for me. I look back now and think, really? Those were my fears? Our God is so much bigger than that. Our small minds can't wrap around how God does things, so when he puts it in our heart, you just have to say "Let's roll". The blessings far out weigh those petty fears.

Out of school and I still have homework.

2011-01-12T21:22:00.000-05:00

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I struggled today with Devon to get his homework done. Man, I know EVERYONE says their kid is a genius, but I gotta say, he blew my mind with his evasion techniques. :) The first excuse was a cough. He said he was coughing, and that he thought he should watch TV instead of doing his homework. He went on to explain that if he coughed on the paper, then a classmate touched the paper, they might get a cough too. So basically, he couldn't do his homework, because he is such a health conscious and selfless person. Good to know, GREAT try, ... didn't work.

The second attempt came in the form of a headache. He said his head was hurting so bad. When I asked why his head hurt, he said that he thought it was from too much coloring. All of the coloring he had to do on his homework, gave him a headache. This was not effective either.

He almost had me with the final attempt...After sternly telling him "DO NOT come back into this studio, until your homework is finished", he showed up light tapping my window. He came in and said " it's a GOOD thing that I came in here for. I broke my pencil and I don't have another one. So I should probably just watch TV now." Then he smiled that smile that just melts my heart.... not this time though. I was DETERMINED! I would find a pencil and my son would not win this fight.

I have to say that Bart and I scoured that station, and even the storage unit, in an effort to find a pencil. We searched and searched, amid my pleas, "Bart, we HAVE to find a pencil. I can not let him win this." I could not go down with a blow from a 5 year old. He suggested run down to Spaulding's and see if they have a pencil. Bwahahahaha. They had 2 :). I happily skipped back upstairs, and put the pencil down in front of my son. He looked up at me, and with a tone of disbelief that his mother had just trumped him, he said "WHAT?".

We finished the homework. My hair is standing on end, and my stomach hurts from running to the bedroom, to laugh where Devon can't hear me. All worth it though, because we got the homework DONE!!!!!!

Amazing story! This is a good news story.

2011-01-11T16:42:00.000-05:00

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Our Crazy Holiday!

2011-01-02T11:26:00.001-05:00

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I feel like we need a vacation for our vacation. I really had high hopes for the time off that I would have over the holidays. Not so much! We got out of school on Tuesday, Woo HOO! Wednesday a lady pulled out in front of Frank. We don't have the final word, but we feel certain that the car has been totalled. His head hit the windshield, even with a seat belt and and air bag. He had a pretty good bump on his head. We had him checked out, and spent the rest of the week, keeping a close eye on him and fighting the terrible headache that he kept. Monday, was a great day. It looked like we had come through the worst of it. Tuesday his foot started bothering him. Wednesday it started tingling, then swelling, then hurting. By the time he got off of work and we were headed to the ER, he had no feeling in it at all, and could not walk. We took him to the ER, they gave him an antibiotic, and sent him home telling us to follow up with a surgeon in the morning. Surgeon saw us at 1:45 that afternoon.

Everything from here on, took place within and 1 1/2 hours. Keep in mind, I am a wreck, because everytime he slightly moves his foot he screams. The surgeon comes into the room, reaches over to feel his calf. When he puts his hand on my husbands leg, he jumped a foot off of the table, screamed, and then just burst into tears. I have NEVER seen my husband in so much pain before. The surgeon says, "I don't know what this is, but I'm admitting you to the hospital, and calling in an orthopedist (shock #1- I thought they were just gonna give us different meds or something.). 5 minutes later we are wheeling Frank through admitting. We had enough time to give our insurance card over and drivers lisc., and sit down. We talk for a few minutes, when a gentleman approaches us and asks if anyone here has seen Dr. Kent today. I point to Frank, and the gentleman starts checking out Frank's leg. He stands up and says "I'm Dr. Deese the orthopedist. I'm going to rush his admission, and we will take him to surgery tonight." (Shock #2 - SURGERY? TONIGHT?) He leaves and when he comes back, he says "change of plans. We're taking him to the OR right now." (Shock #3- this is why I am currently going bald ). An hour later he is in recovery. ALL OF THAT IN AN HOUR AND A HALF. CRAZY!!

Dr. Deese says he had compartment syndrome. They needed to do the surgery quickly, because he felt that the longer they waited, he would have to amputate. AMPUTATE!!!!! Crazy!

So here I sit, soaking it all up. Sitting next to my amazing husband, watching him sleep and rejoice when he wiggles his toes! :)

Simmering Potpourri

2010-12-17T16:25:00.002-05:00

1 apple, sliced
2 tbsp. ground nutmeg
2 sticks cinnamon
2 tbsp. whole cloves
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. dried orange peel (or fresh peel)
2 c. water

Mix all ingredients in small pan. Simmer for 1 to 2 hours. Refrigerate when done. Reheat next day, adding a little water (as it will thicken). Always add water each time mixture is reheated. Keep refrigerated.Nice to use before visitors arrive or to eliminate unpleasant cooking odors.

Under His wing.

2010-12-07T10:49:00.000-05:00

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I was terribly sick over the weekend. The smell of anything made me nausious, and forget about eating. I spent Friday night until Monday morning, sleeping and on the coach.

I tried to stay awake as much as possible, so that I would sleep at night and maybe wake rested the next day. So, in an effort to stay awake, I watched TV. I usually don't watch TV, because I just don't have time. Watching it over the weekend solidified some things for me. Mainly stuff I already knew, but a reminding never hurts. I'm not really missing anything, by not being a consistant watcher. Also, that I am terribly happy right where I am.

I kinda picture myself as a duckling, warm and comfortable under God's wing. It's safe there, and I am loved and cared for, as long as I am under that wing. Every now and then, I get a little restless. I wonder if maybe I am missing something. Like the wing might be protecting me a little too much. The world outside that wing could be fun and exciting, and I wonder if I am missing out on really cool things, because I am under this wing.

So, on the coach I lay, miserable and tired, and under God's wing. Then it's like he lifts his wing so that I can have a peek at exactly what I am missing. The rest just plays alot like a horror show.

I flipped through channels of music that I once loved, that now seem to have absolutely no meaning. No thought, no concern of the content of the video and who might see it. THE SONG MEANS NOTHING! It's like they took one sentence, put it to music, and didn't even attempt to tell you what is so special about that sentence. CRAZY!

Flipping again, through channels of entertainment "news". More accurate to just call it the Gossip channel. So and so may or may not have done this, but maybe did that. Evidentally there are alot of people at these stations who can see the future and will tell you all about what they think it holds. If it's not gossip they will just talk about intimate things, because that is all their watchers want to know about anyway. TRASH!

Flipping, flipping, flipping.... off. I'm down for a nap at this point. Rather sleep all day than watch the craziness that people call entertainment. This wing is what my son would call "snuggly", and I LIKE snuggly.

2010-12-07T09:55:00.001-05:00

Gingerbread Waffles

2010-12-02T15:46:00.000-05:00

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/4 vegetable oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
13/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup molasses
Mix dry ingredients together, mix wet ingredients
then combine. Use batter in any waffle iron. Serve
with fruit and syrup.

Devon'

2010-10-30T10:30:00.001-04:00

She was Texas.

2010-10-06T21:24:00.000-04:00

So I have been rolling it over in my mind. It just keeps coming up, how would I describe her? It just throws itself in the front of my brain, like a great dane trying to give you a hug. I can't look past it, it's right there, in my face.

She passed away lastnight. I couldn't make it there, too far to go, too little time left. I spoke with her, or to her rather. There has been no speaking with her, in a long time. Just memories of when she remembered me. Mom said she smiled when I talked to her... I'll take that.

The next call came at 12:48am. It was time. Half asleep I thanked God for letting us be a part of her life, and prayed that He would open his arms wide and draw her into Him. She took two more breaths, and ran to His love.

So here I sit, thinking if ... when people ask me about her, what would I say. The horrible stories, have long since overshadowed the good ones. I would love to describe a woman who put family first, inspired everyone she met, was an amazing encourager, and could cook like nobodies business. That wasn't her. Don't get me wrong she loved, I know she loved, because she loved me. I think I got the best of her. I got church on Sunday morning. I got reading her entire collection of Nancy Drew. I got picking veggies out of the garden, and taking them straight to the table to eat. I got the stories on her bed at night. Her and peepaw laughing, in their meat locker of a bedroom, that smelled like Vicks Vapor rub, and me half screaming half laughing at peepaw as he rubbed his whiskery cheek on my face. I got a solid day of being amazed that she had a computer, and another solid day of trying to figure out how to show her e-mail.

So how do you balance that, what do you call that. It's Texas. It's rough and tough. It's romance and spurs. It's home cooked meals and breaking your back to break that horse. That was her, she was Texas. She wore boots, with her long jean skirt, and a red scarf tied around her neck. Bright red lipstick and a quick tease to the hair, because everything is bigger in Texas. Her favorite song was yellow rose, Her favorite flower, the bluebonnet. Lady Bird Johnson was everything she aspired to be. She kept Old Milwaukee in business, and burned every brisket she laid hands on. She was spicy like the food, and had a laugh that made her eyes dance like a west Texas night. She would fight till she saw blood, if you messed with her family; and she would turn around and spank us all for making her do it. She made a 3 hour drive into a 6 hour drive, because she loved the mountain view; and she entertained the truck drivers the whole way. She was hard work and hard play. She was every bit of Texas. You could breath her in, like you do the Gulf breeze. You could marvel at her beauty, like east Texas. She could sneak up on you like a dust storm out west, and she could flat lay you out, like a winter panhandle. If ever there were a word more fitting, SHE WAS TEXAS. She will always be Texas to me.

What the future holds....

2010-09-12T16:52:00.000-04:00

Amazing opportunity to hear the testimony of Pastor Alfonso, who is the Chaplin for the Yankees. He talked about a life of drugs. Parents ditching him at the age of 8 or 10. It was crazy how God has taken this child that was living a life of total chaos and destruction, to reaching so many for the Lord.

As he spoke, I remembered a time a couple of years ago. Little back story. My younger brother moved in with us a couple of years ago. He had some drug abuse going on, and we really wanted him to get away from that environment. Away from his drug sources, and surrounded by Christian people that would love on him. I will say that we are/were a little naive to drug addictions. However, it seemed to be helping for a while. We really made one firm rule. All other things, could be worked around, but there would absolutely be no drugs in our house. We have children, and that is not acceptable in our environment.

He stayed with us, and attended church with us, for almost a year, when he came home high. Much as it broke my heart, we told him he had to leave. I absolutely stand firm, that we did the best things for our children, by making him leave. However, where God's conviction gets me, is that I was sooooo angry. So mad that he would dare to bring that around my kids, that he would lie to me. That he would choose to throw away the home and opportunities that we were trying to provide for him.

I am realizing that I definitely did the right thing, but that I did not do it in Christ's love. I haven't been angry for a while, but I know that I did not approach the process in a way that could have glorified God.

I got a call from my little brother the other day. First real conversation we have had in a long time, it was his birthday, and sissy wanted to wish him well. The first time that I wanted to talk to him, and not just get the conversation over with. I wanted to see, really see, how he was doing. He is working in a machine shop, and he said it was really weird that he is the only one in the shop that doesn't have a faithful relationship with Christ. :) Thank you God. Disappointed that it wasn't me, but glad that you are sending others.

Lord, I am excited to see where you will take this boy, and how you will use him. Does skateboarding need a Chaplin? HMMMMMMM.....

Living with grief.

2010-09-06T14:28:00.000-04:00

Amazing interview from Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman. Check it out. http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/community/webcasts/2010/0901

Entry into my "blessings" journal, from camp natchamama '09

2010-07-18T20:49:00.000-04:00

We did the "challenge course" today. One challenge was to scale a 8-10 ft. wall, with only 1 person to help you up. I went up , and had to help Juliette up. I was able to held her, but not pull her anymore. The people below gave her a boost & she was able to swing a leg over. As she did, she looked at me and told me to let go of one of her hands.... I couldn't do it. All I could think of was what if she falls, it will be all my fault because I let go. After enough protest, I let go and she was able to swing over and get up. I had to let go , and put her in God's hands.

Daddy, I'm scared.

2010-07-17T21:05:00.000-04:00

So, it's been a rough day. One of those days where the panic sets in. All day, I have been freaking out a little bit about Frank's job prospects. There is something so very unsettling about him not having a job. I am fully aware that God will provide, I have seen it time and time again. It's amazing how he works, how his math isn't the same as mine, and how he provides exactly what I need when I need it. I have countless stories of his provisions in my life. Still, there is comfort in having a stable income, and on the flip, very uncomfortable when you don't. Especially for me, I'm a planner. I like to have a plan, stick to the plan, and for everything to go... as planned. God has worked on me with that. I don't freak out as much anymore about my plans :). Doesn't mean I don't "love it when a plan comes together" (thanks Hannibal).

So, today was rough. Hard to plan anything, until you know what you can base it off of. As I drove home tonight, I fell apart. "Daddy, I feel like you are leading me blindfolded. I don't know which way we are going, and what the destination is. I'm scared Daddy.". Then I felt the Lord say to me " you may not know where you're going, but you know me. You know who I am. You know I love you. You know that even if you can't see what is going on, you know that I would never lead you to a place where you would be harmed." hmmmmm, he always knows just what I need.

So, it occurs to me. If someone blindfolds you, it is usually to surprise you. Can't wait to see what's ahead!

Takes more than a day, to build a house.

2010-06-21T17:25:00.000-04:00

I am sitting here, just thinking about some of the damaging things that have happened in our lives over the past several years. It's amazing to me because, I feel/have felt, so destroyed. I keep wandering why, God just hasn't allowed me to wake up one morning, and be over it. I keep expecting that one day I will just be okay with everything.

Let me clarify, first off, I'm not wallowing in this. My heart is broken, but God is hugging me through the tears. I fully know that the path I am on, is where God has me, and what is best for me. It is just that the path has some briers along the way, and when I get a thorn in my foot, it hurts for a while, but God pulls it out and kisses my boo boo's. So, I don't question where I am and what God is doing. God has blessed me, and I am seeking the Joy in everything. Still the moments come...

So, back to sitting here. Thinking, God I just have these moments when the lump in my throat rises, and the magnitude of it all envelopes me. Will I just have a day when I will wake up and the lump will be gone, heart mended? It made me think about building a house. When you pick out your plans and say build it, part of you wants it to just be done. But the faster it is built, the more likely that corners are cut, and the house is not as stable as you anticipate. To build the house, you have to be patient. You have to go back, choose a different color, different carpet, different hinges for the door; because the original choices just wont work well. It is what is best for the house, and everyone in it; for you to be patient and flexible. At the end, when all your decisions are made, you have a house that withstands the storms, protects your family, and is a sanctuary.

So, here I am, being patient while God builds me up; to withstand the storms, protect my family, and be a sanctuary.

Still standing firm on Psalms 62:5-8

Great Devotional on forgiveness

2010-06-08T12:59:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine facebooked a really great devotional today from Proverbs 31 ministries, on forgiveness. It really hit home with me. I had my feelings hurt recently, and have tried to put on a "happy face", but had not forgiven this person. So, this really hit home. I am choosing to forgive bc that is what my father calls me to do.

If you want to read it, click on the button at the bottom of the page for Proverbs 31 ministries. It is todays devotion.

Earthday deals

2010-04-22T14:45:00.000-04:00

Okay, I stink at blogging. I haven't posted a thing since BLACK FRIDAY!!! WOW! Let's not even talk about my Myspace account! I do want to post this, bc I am sooooo excited about my killer ink refills. Here are some of the Earthday deals you can get in on : (compliments of Southernsavers.com)

Walgreens has $1 ink refills - today only, and you will need to get a coupon out of the flyer ( that is always near the front door.

Books A Million
Bring your own reuseable travel mug and get a FREE cup of brewed coffee.
Bring your own resuseable bag and get 20% off everything you get inside of it (for discount card, non members get 10% off the entire bag)!
Get a FREE Lorax Bookmark and seeds

Drop by CVS, grab a FREE bag tag

These don't really apply to us, but if you have family that live out of time, maybe they can use it (or you can convince them to hook you up. hint hint mom :) )

Disney store, give them my 6 bottles or cans, get a free Disney Friends for Change youth baseball cap

Head to the Origins counter at Dillards to get a FREE Origins Cleanser when you trade in a current skin care product

OK, that's all I got (for Jill, "That's all I have." :) Love having English teachers as friends tee hee hee). See you again in... what... like 6 months? :)

Black Friday Shoppin' tips

2009-11-24T18:26:00.000-05:00

Many Will Need This Black Friday Survival Guide

Isn’t it ironic that a holiday devoted to giving thanks for what we have is followed immediately by the biggest shopping day of the year? But it’s hard to deny that Black Friday brings a ton of deals—and in an economy like this, every little savings can add up. At the same time though, you don’t want to give up your sanity. To protect your peace of mind and your budget, here are some of the best Black Friday shopping tips we’ve come across.
Separate needs from wants. Before you even look at a flyer, sit down with a cup of coffee and list what family and friends could really use this Christmas. Buying needs rather than wants saves money, minimizes waste, and (assuming you’re not just giving Jockey three-packs) appears even more thoughtful.
Search for a deal. Once you have your list and the commitment to stick to it, start looking for the sales. You can do it the old-fashioned way with a newspaper and store flyers, or you can visit one of these sites: BlackFriday.info, Black-Friday.net, bfads.net.
Make sure it really is a deal. Just because the store says it’s a “door-buster” doesn’t mean it is. Compare its Black Friday deal with other retailers’ prices. The easiest and most comprehensive way to do this is on comparison-shopping sites such as pricegrabber.com, shopping.yahoo.com, and nextag.com.
Sweeten the deal. Three options here: 1) Check coupon sites such as dealcatcher.com or retailmenot.com; 2) Search for rebates on manufacturer sites, and; 3) Become a new customer (many stores give additional discounts to first-time online buyers or if you sign up for their credit cards).
Buy early. Check the retailer’s website to see if it allows Thursday or even Wednesday purchases at Black Friday prices. Or, if store policy allows, buy the item at regular price early in the week, then return it on Friday for an instant refund of the difference.
Hire a sitter. If there’s no option other than getting in line at the store the night before, hire a neighborhood teen to camp out for you. Even subtracting the sitting fee you’ll pay, you may still come out ahead.
Shop as a team. If you must go into a store, try not to do it alone. Have your hubby stand in line while you get what you need. Or, if your phone isn’t web-enabled, have him man the home computer so he can quickly search and compare unadvertised specials that you call him about.
Try to price-match. If you get shut out of the item you wanted, don’t give up. Take the store’s advertisement to a competitor with a price-match policy.
Buy ’em all gift cards. If this sounds like more hassle than fun, gift cards may be your salvation. We like the ones that can be used anywhere (as opposed to at specific stores). And avoid those that either depreciate over time or carry hidden fees. With a gift card, every day is Black Friday.
Watch out for that shopping cart!

Vocalpoint is brought to you by Tremor, a division of P&G

This should make for a FINE turkey!!!

2009-11-24T17:31:00.000-05:00

http://www.vocalpoint.com/friendlyDidYouKnow.html?contentid=500000694&tdestid=6803&tmemberid=29E256F8-DB4B-4C8B-A0E1-066987EE2410

2 days early, and already behind!!! Thaw that Turkey!

2009-11-24T09:03:00.000-05:00

No clue that I had already missed my opportunity to thaw my turkey in the refridgerator. I did find some other ways to thaw, that are faster, and hopefully will get that turkey on the table in time.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/Lets_Talk_Turkey/index.asp

Let me know how it works out for you, and pray for me :)

Homemade (kinda :)) Salsa Dip

2009-10-30T12:30:00.000-04:00

2 cans diced tomato (plain- don't get the Mexican or Italian spiced)
3 large green onions-chopped
1-2 jalapenos
garlic salt
blender

Put one can of diced tomato in blender with chopped green onions. Chop 1 jalapeno and place in blender (you might want to even start with 1/2 of one, bc they seem to be pretty hot lately.) put 2ND can of green onion on top. Sprinkle about a tbsp of garlic salt on top, and pulse blend. Try not to blend it too much, bc you loose the chunks.

* The garlic salt and jalapeno are going to be added to your taste, so start with just a little and add as you go. I usually end up with about 1 jalapeno and 2 tbsp of garlic salt.

LOVE IT!!! I am trying bell peppers next. :)

2009-10-21T17:28:00.000-04:00

I can't believe he liked it. EVEN THE EDAMAME! TY GOD!

Hands-On Time: 30 minutes

Ready In: 30 minutes

Yield: 6 servings Ingredients
1 pound frozen cheese tortellini

1 cup shelled edamame*

1 cup diced red pepper

1 pound smoked sausage

1/2 cup Italian dressing

Directions
Set 6 quarts of salted water to boil in a large pot.
Meanwhile, chop red pepper and slice the smoked sausage into 1/4 inch-thick rounds.
Stir-fry red pepper and sausage together until heated through -- about 5 minutes.
Add tortellini to boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.
Add edamame to water and boil for another 2 minutes. Drain tortellini and edamame well.
Toss everything together with the Italian dressing and heat through one final time.

*Ingredient Tips

Edamame (ed-ah-MAH-may) are boiled green soybeans commonly served as a mild, crunchy appetizer in Japanese restaurants. They have become more common in Western culture in recent years. Most often sold in the U.S. frozen in shelled or unshelled form, they are packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, calcium, protein and fiber. For this recipe, frozen shelled is best. If you must buy them in the pod, take the prep time of shelling them into account, it can get very tedious.

ACKWARD!!!!????

2009-10-20T11:41:00.000-04:00

For the past couple of days my gorgeous hubby and I have been getting up at 5 to do a quiet time together. Frank and I pray together, but not on a planned daily basis. It has always been more of a " will you pray with me?" type thing. It has been great. I feel really connected to him and God together, right at the start of the day.

Funny, because I remember a time when it was really ackward to ask if he would pray with me. Years down the road I wonder why? He is my bestfriend. I keep no secrets from him. He's my biggest fan (along with my mommy of course), and my confidant. So, why would I ever have been uncomfortable with praying to our father together, with him of all people.

New territory I guess, all I know is, fear is not of God; and blessings over flow from my special time with my man.

NO CARVE pumpkin decorating.

2009-10-19T13:54:00.000-04:00

I actually found 2 websites that have some GREAT deco ideas.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/crafts/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating?src=nl&mag=ghk&list=gga&kw=ist

http://www.redbookmag.com/recipes-home/tips-advice/gilded-gourds

Hopefully these will make my pumpkin last longer, and I can carve it later :)

Yummy mice. These are too cute.!!

2009-10-10T13:28:00.000-04:00

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50362

These mischievous mice will have your kids happily nibbling on a healthy snack in no time.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
	Fresh strawberries
	Mini chocolate chips
	Black decorators' icing
	Almond slivers
	Toothpick
	Red lace licorice
	Wedge of Cheese (Your choice)

1. For each mouse, slice a small section from the side of a strawberry so it sits flat.
2. Press a mini chocolate chip into the tip for a nose, using a small dab of icing to secure it in place, if needed.
3. Add icing eyes and stick 2 almond slivers into the top of the berry for ears.
4. For a tail, use a toothpick to carve a small hole in the back of the berry and push the end of a piece of licorice lace into the hole. Serve these berry cute treats with small triangles of cheese.

Steve Harvey introduces Jesus

2009-10-05T13:00:00.000-04:00

You HAVE to check this out. I really expected Jesus to just walk out. AMAZING job.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=905620397b19c9d24978

2009-09-28T14:00:00.000-04:00

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips(optional)

A small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.EAT !

Carving it out!!!!

2009-09-25T14:05:00.001-04:00

Yay!!!! I found Christian themed stencils for pumpkin carving.

http://familycrafts.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&zTi=1&sdn=familycrafts&cdn=parenting&tm=25&gps=78_1594_1003_546&f=00&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.pumpkinglow.com/Patterns4.htm

Tylenol Recall

2009-09-25T13:43:00.000-04:00

Tylenol is recalling some of the infant and children's medications. Check this site to verify your meds.
http://tylenol.com/generic.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subpchildinfantnews.inc

Ummmmm.... okay......

2009-09-24T13:41:00.000-04:00

So, I decided that I need to follow Mandy's example. I DO NOT have time to blog everyday, but I randomly have things I want to share that I can't give details of when I am on the air. LIKE a recipe or website that I have found. So, I thought this would be a great start to sharing it with you. Hope you enjoy.

Random Thought Girl

That's what it's all about!

Pumpkin carving with a Jesus twist :)

Where were you on 9/11/01?

Save money on eating out while you're vacationing.

Grilled Peaches

This is what I live for...

Perseverance

Bringing up Boys

Resurrection Rolls are mmmazing!

Resurrection Rolls

Ingredients:

Directions:

How to Make an Eco-Chic Shopping Bag

Out of school and I still have homework.

Amazing story! This is a good news story.

Our Crazy Holiday!

Simmering Potpourri

Under His wing.

Gingerbread Waffles

Devon'

She was Texas.

What the future holds....

Living with grief.

Entry into my "blessings" journal, from camp natchamama '09

Daddy, I'm scared.

Takes more than a day, to build a house.

Great Devotional on forgiveness

Earthday deals

Black Friday Shoppin' tips

This should make for a FINE turkey!!!

2 days early, and already behind!!! Thaw that Turkey!

Homemade (kinda :)) Salsa Dip

LOVE IT!!! I am trying bell peppers next. :)

ACKWARD!!!!????

NO CARVE pumpkin decorating.

Yummy mice. These are too cute.!!

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

Steve Harvey introduces Jesus

Carving it out!!!!

Tylenol Recall

Ummmmm.... okay......