Bubbles and Money

Texas Trip part IV pink granite and Lysol please

2012-02-14T06:12:00.000-06:00

So on Monday morning Kaitlin and I set out to find us some lunch. We found a hot dog truck. yum!

Kaitlin got the Chicago dog without the sport peppers

I got a basic chili dog. We enjoyed them both.

Our hotel was about 4 blocks from the capitol building. The building is 360,000 square feet. I know you will be shocked when I tell you that it is bigger than any other state capitol building. It was originally made out of limestone but it began to discolor so it was covered in pink granite. It is beautiful. Many of the state building are also built of pink granite.

Here is one of the coolest Civil War statues I have ever seen. Just under Jefferson Davis, who is standing at the top, are listed the states and when they seceded. Below are listed the battles in order that they were fought with their dates.

Here is our hotel. After Kaitlin and I walked around the grounds of the capitol, we headed back to the motel by way of a photography store that she had only seen online and was thrilled to walk into a store front and talk to the folks inside. It was a Lamography store. Ask Kaitlin about what all was in it. I am not sure. There were lots of pretty pictures inside!

Austin has lots of benches so I could walk awhile and then have a nice back resting sit.

Tuesday Kaitlin woke up with a 24 hour bug. The folks in the motel could not have been nicer and she was well taken care of when we needed anything. Thankfully, Carl and I didn't get it. I did bring Lysol with me and I sprayed every surface that I could.

Tomorrow is part I of our Moveable Feast!

Texas Trip Part III Wildflowers and Unicorns

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

On Sunday we went to the LBJ library in downtown Austin, TX. LBJ had three homes that we planned to tour after Carl's meetings so we toured his library to learn more about him. I was 5 when he became president. The only thing I remember from his presidency is that Lady Bird, his wife, loved wild flowers, so I was looking forward to learning more.

The library is free and it was undergoing renovation so we didn't get to see it all but what we did see we all enjoyed.

This is the view from the top floor. That is University of Texas stadium.

Pictures that you take when you have an artsy person with you.

Getting ready to watch a video on LBJ so we would know what we were seeing. One thing that they did at the library that really helped me was as you walked along the exhibits showing what LBJ did, a timeline was above it showing what was going on in the world at the same time.

We all enjoyed the wall of Presidents

Kaitlin's favorite is James K. Polk

I love TR

Carl picked the fifth president!

This was an interactive exhibit. LBJ would talk as you walked by. Kaitlin wasn't aware of this and nearly jumped out of her skin. Sorry I don't have a picture of that!!

The oval office as it was when he was president

LBJ was know for having three TV's close by all the time so he could keep up with the news. He even had a remote control for the TV's.

Lady Bird's beautiful White House china. Notice the wildflowers.

Carl, Kaitlin and LBJ

This is a Olmec head. Kaitlin learned about this art during one of her Art History classes.

After the library we went to the Texas Military Museum. Very interesting. I wrote down a few battles to read more about. Carl walked through the museum and showed us all the vehicles he could buy off of ebay. I won't be surprised if I drive up and I have a weapons carrier in the front yard one day!

Some very cool dioramas. This one of the Alamo.

This last picture is one that is taken by a girly girl with a wonderful attitude. She has been to so many war museums and goes cheerfully. She interprets life differently than her brothers. When she was little and played army with her brothers she always packed dishes and her dolls to go in her fox hole.

Here is her unicorn aka Lady Gaga posing with a tank since they both have something in common. Get it? Very clever!

Texas Trip part II, chain saws and power outages

2012-02-12T03:30:00.000-06:00

So this is a restaurant in Taylor, TX. The top rated restaurant was closed on Sunday. We should have driven to the next town, in my opinion, but Carl LOVES to eat at local dives. Dive here is the optimal word! You know it will be tricky to find a good restaurant in a town when Sonic and McDonald's are rated as places to eat on tripadvisor!!

As we drove through town, we saw lots of cars but no people. Kaitlin said that she has seen too many NCIS's to not think something was strange. I am so sorry I didn't get a picture of the outside of the building. So use your imagination here and work with me. Picture a derelict building with maybe three cars. - My rule is usually 7 cars and windows but I threw caution to the wind for Carl. - Try to imagine a beer sign in the window and bars on said windows. BARS ON THE WINDOWS! Is the hair standing up on the back of your neck yet? Mine was. The inside was not much better. There was a bar and several tables. I was thankful that we had plastic silverware and paper plates. I felt some better when a family came in to eat. Kaitlin noticed that lots of folks got their food to go.

Carl loved his food. Mine was so-so. The chain saw that I kept hearing was a little distracting. What were we really eating? Carl assured me it was an electric knife. hmmmm. Our waitress was very nice. I was not sad when it was time to leave!

We got to our motel in Austin and unpacked. We tried to connect with Kay and Jullian- you will meet them again soon- but they were delayed by a lost suitcase. We decided to eat at Perry's but it was closed on Sunday. Carl and Kaitlin found several restaurants that we could walk to and we decided on Ruth's Chris Steak House. It was good. About half way through our dinner a Large group of REALLY TALL people all in running suits came in. We noticed that the running suits had the word Tigers on them. After a quick text to Andrew, we learned that Missouri was planning to play Texas the next night. MO won by one point.

I got up early on Monday morning and proceeded to engage in one of my favorite activities. Window watching. Here is what I saw. A picture here is not worth a 1000 words. You can't see the man-hole with the four men working under the ground just beyond the truck with the cones behind it. They were working furiously. You also can't see the homeless folks that were waked up by the garage truck that picked up the trash cans they were huddled behind. I was describing all this to Carl and Kaitlin when Carl had to come and take a look see. He informed me that what I was seeing was a mobile generator and that there must have been a power outage. I watched out the window every chance I could and the men worked all day and into the night. They even put up a little tent over the man hole so the men could work in the rain that came in the afternoon. That night on the news we saw that sure enough there had been an outage and we were seeing the men work to fix it. When we woke up on Tuesday all the work men were gone.

My window watching after that was not so exciting.

On Sunday we also went to the LBJ presidential library. More on that tomorrow...

Texas Trip Part I- Where is RGIII?

2012-02-11T15:21:00.000-06:00

Carl's job requires lots of travel. Two weeks agotoday Kaitlin and I were able to go with him on a trip. Our trip was toTexas so we could drive, which I loved because I didn't have to fly and Kaitlinloved because she could pack as much as she wanted to!

We left early on Saturday morning and we stopped at one of ourfavorite restaurants, Cracker Barrel!!! Well, Ishould qualify this and say that Kaitlin and I love Cracker Barreland Carl loves us. As the days will reveal, we did eat at some unusualplaces- some I'd recommend and some, not so much. Carl loves eating atlocal, unusual places. I am working on liking eating at those places too.

After a wonderful breakfast by the fabulous fire, we hit theroad again. We were headed to Waco for the night. We did stop atBill's in Corsicana, TX for lunch. I would recommend it to you. It is definitely local, southern cooking and it was good.

We stopped to get gas and powder our noses near therestaurant. As Kaitlin and I came back out to the van, Carl was in somestrange person's Tahoe. Well, the person wasn't strange but rather astranger to us. It was a women in a Tahoe extended cab with aUhaul trailer. She had pulled into the gas station but in doing sohad gotten so close to these polls that she was stuck in between them and couldn't move in anydirection. Carl aka MacGyver was able to get in her vehicle and pull justa little this way and then again just a little that way and suddenly, Viola, she was unstuck. She thanked us and we were on ourway!

This is a picture of RGIII with the Heisman

I love seeing college campuses. Since we were stayingthe night in Waco I wanted to see Baylor. The folks there could not havebeen nicer. We parked the car twice to get out and walk around. Folksasked almost immediately if we needed help. I wanted to go tothe bookstore and I wanted to see Robert Griffin III or at least his socks. We found the bookstore but alas, no RGIII or his socks. Seriously,if I was the bookstore, I'd have some wild socks.

Rabbit Trail- Robert Griffin III won the Heisman trophy in 2011. He is known for his wild socks, ie Elmo, pokey dot, etc. The nightof the Heisman ceremony He was asked to show his socks, they were supermansocks and they had capes on them. The socks went viral and everyonebought them and I still don't have a pair!

Ok, back to Baylor... Their bookstore is awesome. Kaitlin was impressed with all the Apple products they sold.

I knew they were the Baylor bears but I didn't know therereally was a bear. There is. No picture because they were sleepingin the shade and with the reflection off the glass, so just trust me, I'mlooking at two bears.

I recognized this building from college game day. This wasthe backdrop for their set when they were there.

There isa lot of sky in Texas!

I was stunned to find out that theBaylor stadium in not in Waco, it is in Beverly Hills, Texas which is the nexttown over. I guess I picture most stadiums like AUBURN right in the middle ofcampus.

We saw the Lone Star on lots of things in Texas.

More pretty Texas sky. I know what you are thinking,everything is bigger in Texas.

Here we are at supper. We looked on tripadvisor andfound the top rated place. It was too crowded so we went to the secondhighest rated place- Health Camp. Now what would you think we would eatthere? If you guessed burgers, you guessed correctly!!!!

They were good too. We all got a different side- tater tots,fries and onion rings. I got a chocolate, peanut butter and banana shake. Yum yum!! We all enjoyed the shake too.

It looked like a 50's burger joint.

It is located right offa traffic circle. I am glad ~~MacGyver~~ Carl wasdriving!!

Tomorrow we meet the Texas Chain Saw restaurant in Taylor, Texas. Carl says it was an electric knife but I am not so sure...

Frugal February + an extra day

2012-02-06T16:27:00.000-06:00

I am a little behind on posting. Kaitlin and I were able to go on a business trip with Carl last week to Texas. We had a blast and I am working on those blog posts.

My theme for February is to be frugal. My niece, Barbara, does this every year and I got the idea from her. It is a gift she gives her husband every year, his birthday is this month.

My goal is to clean out my pantry and freezer. I am pretending that we are on the TV show Chopped, and I must use the ingredients that I have in the house.

I also plan to give away 10 bags of stuff that we don't use or need. I think being frugal is more than just not spending money but being responsible with what we have.

Since we have an extra day this month, we plan to do some extra things on that day or maybe do 29 extra things this month. Not sure yet.

Simplify, Forgive and Move! That's my 2012 motto

How do you hear?

2012-01-26T03:30:00.000-06:00

This list blew me away. I will not listen to a sermon the same way again.

How about you?

Ready, Set, Save!

2012-01-25T03:30:00.000-06:00

Here is a guest blog from my daughter in law Taylor- she named me Bubbles!

When Andrew and I got married and I relocated to a citywhere I was unable to find a job, I discovered the world of couponing. I havelearned a lot about saving and earning money over the past few years, andalthough I am by no means an expert, the strategies below have helped us to stretchour budget , allowing us to save more, give more, and travel more.

Couponing – Thereare a multitude of blogs on couponing; however, I entered the world ofcouponing and drug store shopping through MoneySaving Mom. Currently, I visitSouthern Savers the most often, asshe offers the ability to easily create a shopping list by clicking on theitems that you would like to add to your list. You can then print your customlist complete with coupon matchups. Although Money Saving Mom and Southern Saversare the blogs I visit most often, I also visit Common Sense with Money and Deal Seeking Mom on occasion.

Shopping – For onlineshopping, I shop through Ebates,Mr. Rebates, or Shop at Hometo get cash back on my purchases. Mr. Rebates is the site that Iuse most often, as it typically has the highest rebate. These websites willalso list coupon codes that may be available. Another website that is useful isdealnews, which lists some of the bestonline shopping deals. For information on Amazon-specific deals, Jungle Deals and Steals blogs aboutgreat Amazon deals.

Dining Out/Entertainment– Groupon and Living Social are my favorite sites forentertainment and restaurant deals. I have found half price deals on myfavorite restaurants, salons, and local entertainment (walking tours, cookingclasses, etc.). There are several other websites that offer daily deals;however, Groupon and Living Social are the ones that I visitmost often. For dining out, some cities have great restaurants listed at www.restaurant.com. There is always acoupon code for this website - just search for one on your search engine priorto purchasing. I’ve gotten severalgreat restaurant gift certificates for very little money throughrestaurant.com.

Travel – Groupon and Living Social offer fantastic deals fortravel – from one night stays at a Bed and Breakfast to two-week excursions. Fromthe Groupon website, click onGetaways, and on the Living Social homepage,click on Escapes. These are updated weekly, and although the deals typicallylast one week, the lower priced deals frequently sell out prior to ending.

For hotel stays, I have discovered Priceline, which has helped us to savehundreds of dollars on our trips. We use two websites, Bidding for Travel and Better Bidding, to give us an idea ofwhat hotels we might end up getting through bidding on Priceline. This also gives me an idea ofwhat prices other people are paying, so that I do not waste any bids, as youonly get one opportunity to bid in a particular zone (unless you change thestar level) in a 24-hour period.

Another option for vacations is to book an apartment via www.vrbo.com or www.homeaway.com.There are several other websites for searching for vacation rentals, but theseare the two that we use most often. We booked an apartment for our stay inRome, and we loved it. Not only were we able to save money by renting anapartment, but also we are able to cook our own breakfast and do laundry at theapartment.

One last resource that I use for travel deals is Clark Howard’s website, where his teamposts travel deals (focusing specifically on flight deals from Atlanta). Healso has several great tips for traveling and saving money.

Earning Money – Thereare a few easy ways to earn money online. Now, you won’t become a millionaire,but something is better than nothing, right? One way is to earn points that canbe redeemed for gift cards through SwagBucks. You can earnpoints by using SwagBucksas your search engine and also through completing daily polls on the SwagBucks page.

Another easy way to earn money is through the completion of Pinecone surveys. Pinecone only sends you surveys forwhich you have already qualified, and you get paid $3 for each survey.Occasionally, you will also get the opportunity to test out new products thathave not yet hit the market.

PaperBackSwap and SwapADvdwill not necessarily make you money, but you can exchange your used books anddvds with others for only the price of postage. We have exchanged several booksand dvds through these websites and recommend it highly.

Well, in a nutshell, those are the tools that we use to savemoney – I hope you find this helpful! Happy saving!

3 of 1000

2012-01-24T17:14:00.001-06:00

Ann Voskamp is the author of the book 1000 Gifts. Her blog- A Holy Life is on my blog roll. She offered a free download for the month of January, that offered suggestions for making a list of your 1000 gifts. 3 per day. Today is 3 things blue!

machine gun maybe?

2012-01-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

Do you have a favorite TV show?

I have several and one of them is Top Shot. A new season starts on February 14 at 9 central. It is a reality show with marksmen. The contestants start the competition on teams until enough of them have been eliminated, then they compete against each other. They use everything from rocks to Gatling guns.

I have no idea why I like this show so much. I joined the facebook group for the TV show and I don't look like most of those people, in fact, I don't look like any of those people. The facebook page for Top Shot encouraged me and all the others to upload pictures from our Top Shot parties. Wow! They all showed off all their guns! I don't have a gun. I keep telling Carl that I need one and he just laughs.

Thanks Ashley!

2012-01-20T17:53:00.001-06:00

Ashley was in charge of our table for 4 for December. We met at a restaurant and had an ornament exchange. There were 9 of sharing in the laughter for the evening!!

This month Jill is in charge. It will be fun I am sure!

Have an Ordinary Day!

2012-01-16T07:25:00.001-06:00

This post is from Ravi Zacharias Ministries.

The Feast of Ordinary

On the occasion of still needing to buy a new calendar for 2012 (the encroaching speed of January is always a little shocking after the race of December), a thought of Oscar Wilde's crosses my mind. Wilde thoroughly resented the power of modern calendars to remind us that, though full of activity, "each day that passes is the anniversary of some perfectly uninteresting event." He would no doubt be further troubled to know that we are currently in a season the church calendar calls "Ordinary Time."

There are actually two intervals of Ordinary Time within the Christian church year, unbeknownst to most calendars. The first interval begins after Epiphany (the remembrance of the arrival of the wise men to the birthplace of Jesus) and continues until Lent (the forty days of remembrance leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus). The second interval of Ordinary Time begins at the conclusion of Pentecost (the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit)
and continues until Advent (the celebration of the coming of the Christ child). We are currently living within this first interlude of Ordinary Time, having just celebrated the feast day of Epiphany and now waiting for the approach of Lent. But this is hardly the Church's way of saying the day before us is ordinary.

Far from announcing days that are commonplace or mundane, Ordinary Time is meant to be a season of anticipated living. The term actually comes from the word "ordinal," which means that it is time "counted" or "numbered." Though the Church's festive banners may have come down after the celebrations of Advent and Epiphany have ended, the startling realities of life under the banners of a new born King and the presence of a savior have begun. The Church attempts reminds the world to live expectantly between the mystery of the incarnation and the assurance of the unique one within our midst.

Though Jewish feasts and holy days were a major part of the
lives of Jesus and his disciples, the same was true for them as it is for the church: the majority of their time together was the time spent between holy days. Yet far from being described as the lull between holidays, the disciples' "ordinary time" was spent healing and feeding crowds, proclaiming the kingdom, raising the dead, and learning at the feet of Jesus, the Son. More often than not, they were genuinely surprised by the one in their midst, no matter how ordinary the day. In the everyday lives of Christ's followers today there is a similar expectant quality within each moment, time that is hopefully being shared with the world as an invitation to join them. It is time counted; time that matters.

It is appropriate that the first signs of Jesus's identity were displayed not to Jerusalem's religious leaders or in the pious celebrations of a chosen nation. The first bold signs of the startling work of God came to foreigners, people who had to journey a great distance
to see what the heavens were revealing. In the form of a great star to foreign astrologers, the God of Israel chose to reveal the birth of Jesus to nations far beyond the religious activities of Jerusalem.

Later revelations of the child's identity were similarly filled with ordinary time and people. After the hype of Passover had settled in Jerusalem and the last of the festivities were waning, long after the villagers who had traveled far were on their way home, twelve year-old Jesus had stayed behind, though his parents were unaware of it. Three days later they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And "everyone who heard him was amazed" (Luke 2:47). Likewise, the first miracle Jesus performed was not in the temple or as a religious leader but at a wedding as a wedding guest. Quietly and discreetly for a party that was running short on wine, Jesus used the symbols and waters of purification, and he created
enough wine to bless the bride and groom and all their guests long after the wedding was finished—a sign of both his coming hour and the coming feast. And once more, ordinary time was marked by the extraordinary.

While the calendar may seem to set us up to live from one major holiday to the next, what if there is far more to expect from the rest of our days? While holy days mark events that dramatically shape both religious and secular worldviews, our ordinary days give us the space to live these events out. In the repetitive rhythm of the church calendar, human hearts are invited to beat expectantly of a greater kingdom. For ordinary time is never ordinary, as God's presence always involves the unexpected.

Jill Carattini is managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hand on the hip, ladies!

2012-01-11T03:30:00.000-06:00

I am blest to call these my friends. We took this sorority pose during a recent women's event. Sandy was in charge of the wonderful meal and we were her underlings. A good time was had by all in the kitchen and the women at the event loved the food too- I am sure because it was made with so much love.

I hope you have a smiling good day!

21 years old!

2012-01-10T03:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Robert! You are so cool!!

War Eagle

2012-01-09T03:30:00.000-06:00

In honor of the National Championship game tonight have a look at AUBURN uniforms from the past.

I thought my brother, John, would enjoy this! I hope you do too!

A Bread and Butter gift!

2012-01-07T11:51:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of our good friends Monica and Michael with Kaitlin. They used to live in LR and came back for a visit. We had the privilege of having them stay in our home for their visit.

I bought some fun cereals for us to have for breakfast, changed the sheets on several beds and got ready for them to arrive.

We had a great visit!! Lots of laughing and sharing and then more laughing. I have a few new books to try from Monica's reading list, we laughed about the fun dancing at John and Marisa's wedding reception and we watched lots of Sportscenter plus a few bowl games. Their son, Parker, told us he was glad they stayed in a home where he could watch lots of sports.

Just before they were to leave our house, their daughter, Olivia, brought me a gift. My mother would have called this a 'bread and butter' gift- a gift you bring your hostess. I was so impressed with their gift that I wanted to share it with you!

First- a thank you note that they all signed! In the gift was a grocery gift card,

some shower gels and lotions

and some fun dish towels! I was so touched by everything. I was inspired to leave a fun gift the next time we are guests in someone's home. Thank you Michael and Monica!!

Here is a fun article about writing Thank You's ! They are always appreciated.

Thank you for reading my blog!

2011 in pictures

2012-01-04T03:30:00.000-06:00

National Championship game on January 10th

Super Bowl Party in February

Savannah in March

Kaitlin's senior show in April

Kaitlin's graduation in May

with family in Atlanta in June

with Linda in Kansas City in July

moving Robert back to college in August

John and Marisa's house in September

Race for the Cure in October

Thanksgiving

fun new, Christmas trees for December!

My friend Sarah Berry did this on her blog and I loved it. Thanks Sarah Berry!

themes, goals, plans

2012-01-03T03:30:00.000-06:00

I love New Year's resolutions. I have made them for as long as I can remember. When my children were at home, I made them make them. My list is probably more a goal list rather than resolutions. A few of my goals are- have folks over more, read 60 books, get rid of/organize/throw out lots of stuff in our wreck room, memorize Romans 8, watch less TV, use the scrapbook paper I have and don't buy any new-that was painful to write, go to Physical Therapy 3 times a week, etc etc etc

I plan to have a theme for each month that helps with my goal thinking. January's theme is Just do it.

I have made a theme for 2012 that helps with my goals too.

2012 theme is Simplify. Forgive. Move.

What are your resolutions?

Books!

2012-01-02T15:51:00.001-06:00

My friend, Ann, asked me to report on recent books that I have read. I was honored!

The Christmas Singing and The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Woodsmall were both good, quick, holiday reads. Read the sound of Sleigh Bells first because you meet some of the same characters in the second book and you need to know their story. I plan to look for more by this author.

The Sisters by Jensen. I read this book in one evening. My first thoughts were not positive but after I thought about it more the more I can recommend this book. It is a hard read and I like happy. It is a story about what bitterness can do. I struggle with bitterness and I think this book hit too close to home and I was convicted. I don't share the same story but the same stubbornness to hold onto my bitterness.

The Little Princesses by Crawford. This book was delightful on many levels. First- it belonged to my mother. She has been dead for 15 years and it did my heart good to read a book of hers that she loved. Second- what a fun read. It is written by the governess of Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret before King George abdicated and continues til Elizabeth gets married. I learned so much history and spent many hours on google looking up the houses they lived in and where they traveled. If you need a fun read, I highly recommend.

The Island by Hilderbrand. I enjoy her books. They are cotton candy beach reads. Sometimes one needs some cotton candy.

I'll be back with more soon, I've got more football to watch!

I like New Beginnings!

2012-01-01T08:09:00.000-06:00

New Year's thoughts from Nancy Wilson

on the mountain top

2011-12-31T16:44:00.001-06:00

I wish I could bottle up the feeling I have when my family is all together and we are laughing and having a good time.

I would take a big, deep breath of it everyday. It would smell of good food. The sound of laughter would escape every time the lid was lifted and the bottle would feel warm, a good, comforting warm.

I tried to savor every second we were all together. It was all too short for me.

I am so thankful for Carl and all he does so our party is always ongoing. He even bought me a fun party shirt to wear. I am thankful for pictures. I am thankful to God for all He has given us. I am thankful He invented family.

My brother, Charles and his wife, Frances, were not able to be with us and they were sorely missed.

I hope you had lots of mountain top time this holiday season. Happy New Year from the Funroes!

I see Barbie, blue eggs...

2011-12-30T17:53:00.001-06:00

I love all the memories that Christmas decorations remind us of

Thoughts from John Piper and Scotty Smith!

2011-12-26T08:09:00.001-06:00

These encouraged me today. I hope they do the same for you!

December 26

How do you feel today?

Christmas Day!

2011-12-25T15:10:00.001-06:00

Christmas sights.

This is a very different Christmas for us. We will celebrate with family next week. We went to church and now are enjoying lots of Christmas movies. An American Carol is on now!

Merry Christmas!

Ann Voskamp rocks!

2011-12-24T07:40:00.001-06:00

I love the way Ann Voskamp makes me think. 10 things to do on Christmas Day got me to thinking. We hope to spend some time outside, light a few candles (I know those who know me are saying- you plan to light candles), have a few folks over and go spend time with our church family worshipping.

Merry Christmas Eve!

What do you plan to read in 2012?

2011-12-22T10:50:00.000-06:00

Have you started to say... Next year I'll do such and such?
Or my other favorite is ...I don't plan to do that again til next year...like ironing or paying bills etc

I am starting my reading list for 2012 and I love doing things like that because I love the clean slate, the newness, all the possibilities!

If you are ready to start your To Be Read List you will find good suggestions at this blog.

Where were you a year ago?

2011-12-18T03:30:00.000-06:00

Hard to believe it has been a year?!? Happy Anniversary John and Marisa!

A few of my favorite things...

2011-12-16T10:56:00.000-06:00

Hey Kaitlin! make me this please!!!

you all may enjoy it too. I think I might even be able to make it

I love Christmas crafts, well, I love Christmas trees, lights, cookies, presents, nativities, music... you know I think I can safely say, I like all things Christmas.

Pour it over warm biscuit with butter, nothing better!

2011-12-14T03:30:00.000-06:00

I love the blog Southern Plate by Christy Johnson. I have never met the woman but I love her. She is so cheerful on Face Book, she was so gracious when she was on with Paula Deen cooking and her tweets are cute. Plus everything I have cooked from her cookbook has been wonderful.

Today when you click on her link you will get her recipe for chocolate gravy. I will be making it this year. Yum Yum!

Books to read

2011-12-13T08:28:00.001-06:00

Have you made your New Year's Resolutions yet? Do you have reading on that list? Here is a really cool blog that will inspire you. I haven't decided which challenge I plan to pursue but I'll let you know.

Do you like to bake?

2011-12-12T08:50:00.003-06:00

So I have been baking. I usually make a list of all I want to bake and then I go through all the recipes to see if we have all the ingredients that we will need to bake. After I have my list I go shopping. Since I like to bake, I normally keep 'usual' baking goods around so that means that when I am shopping I don't hesitate to grab an extra pound of butter or bag of chocolate chips. Well.. it seems this year I have been grabbing parchment paper, really. Parchment paper! What do I plan to do with this? I know that I can line my cookie sheets with parchment paper but 7 boxes of it??? How many cookies do I think I plan to make??

KimT and Andrew I think I need a parchment paper intervention!

If any of you see me at Walmart or Kroger and I have parchment paper in my basket, you have my permission to just take it out and walk away. I may protest but I will realize that you have my best interest at heart.

I am practicing now, Just say No to parchment paper, Just say No to parchment paper, Just say No to parchment paper...

Are you glad?

2011-12-11T08:14:00.001-06:00

I was glad when they said unto me Let us go into the house of the Lord!

Do you believe Yoda?

2011-12-10T03:30:00.000-06:00

This article really made me think as I ponder my New Year's Resolutions. Are you trying?

Around our house at the holidays

2011-12-09T03:30:00.000-06:00

I love Christmas trees!!! Here is some of my collection before they were put around our house.

These are new this year!

These are on my desk

This is not a tree but it is a new, fun addition to our Christmas decorations. It is a remote control for the lights on our deck. So I can lay in bed and turn the lights on in the morning before my feet hit the ground. And at night the last thing I do is turn the lights off after I have enjoyed them in the darkness.

This is now referred to as our monkey tree. It is on top of the fridge along side of a bottle brush tree that my mother had on the top of her fridge.

Another grouping of trees that is on the dining room table. My friend, Sandy made this arrangement. She used another new tree I got this year from my fellow kitchen worker, Barbara. It is the taller green tree. Many of these red ornaments were used last year to decorate the tables at John and Marisa's rehearsal dinner tables!

I am savoring being able to look and enjoy all our decorations this season.

If Plan A doesn't work, you have 25 other letters!

2011-12-08T03:30:00.000-06:00

Andrew found a book a few years ago called Second Choice by Viv Thomas. The book talks about what do you do when life throws you a curve ball. I highly recommend this book.

Here is an article about the when you are on plan B. Read and ponder. Has your life taken a route you weren't planning?

Do you know what happened 70 years ago today?

2011-12-07T03:30:00.000-06:00

This is a map of some of the damage done 70 years ago today at Pearl Harbor. 23 years ago today I read a book to Andrew about the bombing of Pearl Harbor and that book awakened his love of history.

I will honor today by watching the movie Tora Tora Tora and thanking God for all those who gave their lives for my freedom.

Carl works with wonderful people!

2011-12-05T19:54:00.001-06:00

Kaitlin getting a lesson on how to spread masa

Carl has a co worker, Angelica, who is from San Antonio, TX. She grew up in a large family and every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas they would set aside a day to make home tamales. When she and her husband moved to our city she missed her home made tamales. So she started the tradition here in 2007. Since her large family isn't here they invite friends, family and coworkers and we all become family. Carl, Kaitlin, Robert and I got to participate this year. What a wonderful experience!

In 2007 they made 26 dozen, in 2008- 42, in 2009- 72, 2010- 91 and in 2011- drum roll please-----1222 total or 101 dozen!

Robert spreading masa

On the table above from left to right is a bowl of chicken, a bowl of masa, corn husks ready for masa, corn husks with masa and Carl getting more masa to add to another husk.

First you add masa to a husk then meat is added and it is folded and put in a pan.

Nicki, who is seated to Kaitlin's left, could add masa to a husk with one sweep of a spreader. It was like a ballet move.

At the table about five folks at putting masa on a husk while three take that same husk and add meat to it.

These folks step in to hand more meat, pull up sleeves, get water for the folks at the table, wash dishes, and laugh at all the jokes.

After a large metal pan is full of tamales then Angelica takes them and steams them on the stove.

our wonderful hostess!

pots with tamale steaming, sauce and meat is cooking

Tamales are made in rounds, somewhat. When a pan of meat is ready then the tamale making begins and that round ends when that meat has all be used. At the end of every round, you bring all your utensils to the sink and they get washed. You also wash your hands and rest.

Here are Keith and Barbara. Keith has very clean hands and he is ready for his turn at making tamales.

Keith took this very artistic picture of Barbara and me!

Kaitlin and Angelica at the snack table. I was glad Angelica got to sit down for a minute because she was in constant motion the rest of the time.

We all had such a laughing good time. We came home with some wonderful tamales. We look forward to the laughing good time next year. Thank you Angelica for such a wonderful tradition!!!

One of my favorite decorations

2011-12-05T03:30:00.000-06:00

This was my mama's. This angel is usually in a different spot every year. This year she is in the den. A wonderful reminder of holidays past at my mama's.

Sorrow and Sighing shall flee away

2011-12-04T03:30:00.000-06:00

I am realizing more and more that the holidays are not happy for everyone. Here is a great article about our great hope!

Ponder this verse today-

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10:

Table for 12

2011-12-03T05:46:00.001-06:00

I am blest to be a part of a wonderful church! The ladies in the church are truly my friends. One activity that we do to promote fellowship is called Table for 4. 4 ladies meet once a month for 4 months. I love doing this and I have had the best time with all my groups. This time around I am in a group with Ashley, Jill and Sandy. They are all 'includers'- meaning that they feel like instead of just us four, let's add some more!!!! Sandy had the first meeting at her house and included others. Here is our picture with the pumpkins we painted. Also in our group is Sandy's daughter, Abbey.

So when the second one was at my house I knew what my mission was- include, include, include. The other ladies did this too. We each invited folks! So we had a table for 8! Did we have fun or what???

Cheryl, Stephanie, Kaitlin and Mandy joined our dinner party and added so much. We made turkeys out of pretty scrapbook paper.

Don't you like the features on my camera that does three shots with the self timer?

This month is an ornament exchange. Ashley's in charge. Would you like to join us??? We'd love to have you!! Just ask one of us when and where. Hope to see you there!

Christmas tree

2011-12-01T21:04:00.001-06:00

I love Christmas tree lights!

My Christmas view

2011-11-29T06:24:00.001-06:00

My beautiful view is even better with my Christmas lights!

First Sunday in Advent

2011-11-27T16:32:00.001-06:00

I recently read- not sure where and that makes me sad- that there is great significance in the unlit candles on the advent wreath too. They represent the darkness of this world. As we prepare our hearts this Advent, we thank Him for the light we have and beseech Him for those still in darkness.

I hope we sing this today!

2011-11-27T07:36:00.001-06:00

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Hymn Lyrics

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Breakfast of Champions

2011-11-25T07:03:00.001-06:00

My day after Thanksgiving breakfast!

Thanksgiving Prayer

2011-11-24T12:16:00.001-06:00

Scotty Smith prayer for Thanksgiving

My favorite line

So rise up in us, O living water, unto eternal life. Artesian springs of grace, come forth with such compelling and propelling force that our thanks will overflow the banks of our hearts—like a tsunami of worship and redemption.

Thank you God, Pilgrims and A Lincoln

2011-11-24T03:30:00.000-06:00

Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day

October 3, 1863

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

A. Lincoln

Thanksgiving Eve thoughts

2011-11-23T08:24:00.001-06:00

Thoughts from Joseph

1000 gifts app for your Iphone

Are you a grandfather?

2011-11-16T03:30:00.000-06:00

On November 9th John and Marisa found out that they are having a boy. Atticus Thomas should join us in March. We all knew, somewhat the the baby would be a boy. In Carl's family he is one of six children, one daughter and five sons. Each son had a son first and Carl's sister had a daughter first. Every family has only one daughter except one. There are 15 grandchildren-10 grandsons and 5 granddaughters. As the great-grands are appearing, the males are out numbered 3-2 now but Atticus will make it even, but each firstborn great grand has been a boy.

I was excited, Carl was Carl.

Marisa had a blue onesie in the bag for us to see.

I almost made my facebook status on Wednesday "Today I find out if I will be a grandmother or a grandfather" but a few weeks ago when Andrew got on my account and ranked my children some folks thought that that was really me. Really, Really?!? So I refrained incase that would rock their world or they would try to explain it to me but any way... a grandfather it is :-)

Do you see needs?

2011-11-15T06:42:00.000-06:00

...make a meal for someone, write a thank you or two or three to folks who do things that make your life better- from the garbage man to the piano player at church-the note just needs to say thanks and why you are thankful, make a booklist for a shut in, then get the books they like for them from the library, pay for the person behind you in the drive through at Starbucks, babysitting, tithing, getting to Sunday School early and helping set up the chairs, take time to speak to folks you usually brush past, let someone get in front of you in the grocery line, make bookmarks for all your friends that read...

I could list here a million ways for us to give this Thanksgiving month and some would spur you on and we all need that. But what we really need is Situational Awareness. Our hearts and eyes need to be so in-tuned with what is going on around us that the needs of others are so apparent to us that we can't help but be aware of them. When you are really in-tuned with the needs of others sometime that is a very heart heavy place to be. I also believe that a need doesn't always mean a call, we need to be discerning, but it would be better to err on the side of giving too much than not enough.

Pray today that the eyes of your heart will be open to see all the needs around you and also for the wisdom to know which ones you are to meet.

Today is the half way point in this month. I have seen several blogs that are participating in a 30 days of giving challenge, it's not too late for us to start. Just do two a day!

...give someone who is late to church your hymnal so they don't have to take the time to look it up, let someone in front of you in traffic, smile at all those you see today, rake your neighbors leaves, pick up all the trash on your street, get the email address of a missionary and ask them what they did today and tell them about your life, do another family members chores for the day-without telling them...

Fall Beauty

2011-11-14T03:30:00.000-06:00

Kaitlin and I ran some errands recently and she brought my camera. I love fall.

Food for thought

2011-11-13T03:30:00.000-06:00

Christian growth - how's yours?

questioned God lately?

difficult situation ?

why should you pray

thoughts on JOE PA

do you forget?

2011-11-12T03:30:00.000-06:00

The Bible Study that my church has done this fall and will finish in the spring is Maximum Impact by Wayne A, Mack. It is a study on I Corinthians 13. Honestly, it is not my favorite book that we have studied but the discussion that we have during our small groups has been some of the best ever.

We start our study with a lecture on the topic and then we discuss the questions from that chapter in the book.

Yesterday the lecture was given by Carrie. It was on the topics of 'Love is not provoked' and 'Love keeps no record of wrongs'. Outstanding. She shared many wonderful things but the one that I have been pondering is that-if love keeps no record of wrongs and we should forgive, do we forget? Her thoughts were, that no we don't. And her answer to our tendency to keep reminding ourselves of the wrongs done to us is to keep remembering all that Jesus has done for us. Her tag line was 'to forget, keep remembering'. I love that. I need that. It made me think of putting on the full armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-20. I need the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace on my feet, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of truth. Her talk made me realize that but putting on the armor of God, it will protected me from all the 'wrong remembering' that satan wants me to do.

Get yourselves ready for the day.

Grab your Sword.

Thank you!

2011-11-11T06:55:00.001-06:00

Something to think about!

2011-11-10T15:15:00.001-06:00

I love reading newspapers. If we travel and they pile up, it is heavenly to me to sit down with a stack and read through them.

I was recently reading in the USAtoday about things that are left in motel rooms.

Do you know what is the most frequently left object in a motel room??

cel phone charger- I understand that

Do you know what is the second most frequently left object???

Are you ready?

False teeth. False Teeth?

Wouldn't you know if you didn't have your teeth in????

Vocations

2011-11-08T09:40:00.000-06:00

Luther's doctrine of vocation by Gene Edward Veith. Great article.

Time for reflection

2011-11-06T03:30:00.000-06:00

Reflections we all need. This really challenged me.

Chopped, Project Runway and Fences

2011-11-05T03:30:00.000-05:00

This was my view as I sat in Andrew and Taylor's house working on their scrapbook. You are looking through their Savannah room (aka screened-in back porch) out to their back yard. Their yard backs up to green space. As I sat here for a few days and savored the view, I pondered life with a fence or without.

When my mother was living and able she would often come and stay two weeks at a time with us. She usually came with an agenda for how she wanted to help me. She would dust all my ceiling fans and base boards or take care of all the laundry for two weeks. On several occasions she mended everything in my mending pile. For every visit she would bathe the children and put all manner of baby powder on them. She even had special towels that she bought, I think they were called bath sheets, so she could get powder on the grandchild and then cover them all up to get them warm.

She set a high bar for visiting motherness and grandmotherness.

Because of my back I will not be able to follow exactly in her footsteps. Sometimes that makes me sad.

Limitations- I don't like them.

As I sat looking at the beautifulness of A and T's backyard, I realized that the fence next door is really beautiful also. It limits some of the view but there is protection there too. I can't see into the backyard next door, there could be a wonderful junglegym or swingset or a tent or a picnic table with a party going on.

What am I going to do with my limitations? I need to stop banging up against the beautiful fence and stop and see the beauty around me. I need to take stock of all that I have been given and not complain about what I don't have or can't do.

There is a TV show on the Food Channel called Chopped. The contestants are given a basket with four, usually unusual, ingredients. They must cook a meal using their four ingredients in a limited amount of time. They also have a well stocked pantry at their disposal. It is interesting to watch the thinking process of the contestants, some get panicked, some know about their ingredients, some know similar ingredients and some when they don't know what to do they make excuses.

The series Project Runway also reminds me of Chopped but with clothes designers. They are given limitations with their garments and we watch to see what will they be able to produce.

I think we like these shows is because they, to a point, mirror life. We are all given limitations- health, money, jobs, surroundings, singleness, rough marriage, family that doesn't get along, and the list can go on and on and on.

What are you going to do with your limitations? We all have them! Some folks don't think so. They are quick to tell you about theirs but don't believe you when you say you have them too. The people I enjoy the most don't complain about theirs all the time. Sometimes we need to share our struggles but just not all the time!

One antidote for our limitations I am realizing more and more is gratitude. When I stop and realize all that I do have then I get my eyes off of what I think I don't have. Kaitlin and I were talking about our limitations and she was struck with the story in Acts 16 about Paul and Silas. They were in jail, they had unwashed wounds from being beaten, their feet were in stocks, I mean talk about some limitations and yet what were they doing...singing hymns and praying. Wow! God the creator can use our limitations to bring salvation to others.

Count your blessings, name them one by one! I am thankful for so many things

My Salvation
My husband-he is amazing
My children that I birthed and others that are in and have been in our nest
My friends
My back- I am having to be like the designers on Project Runway working with my limitations and what am I going to produce? Do I want you to say oh yea, Ellen, she had the back problem or Oh Ellen, didn't she embrace life?!?

Here's to embracing life- go make something beautiful today!

Random thoughts

2011-11-04T03:30:00.000-05:00

Some good thoughts on the Occupy Wall Street movement

Putting good and right things on your to-do list

Roswell, New Mexico

2011-11-03T03:30:00.000-05:00

picture of hot stone massage but not me because of the hair, you will learn about that soon enough.

While Kaitlin and I were in Santa Fe, we got a hot stone massage. Oh, my! I got chills as I wrote that down. It was wonderful.

We made our appointment on Sunday and were given a tour of the spa area. Monday at 220 we made our way down from our room to the spa. Soon we were wrapped in thick robes and resting in the relaxation room. Picture a room where the lights are dim, lavender is a faint but wonderful smell, the sounds you hear are a quiet water fall and enya music being played.

We saw a woman that looked really strange, her hair and her eyes, there was something not right about this woman. She was wandering around the relaxation room. I thought that since we were in NM that maybe she had wandered in from area 54 and had seen an alien. No lie, she looked really spacey!

We soon met our masseuses and were ushered back to our room. Our massage lasted an hour and a half. It was a hot stone massage plus we threw in a scalp and foot massage. Words can't describe. My only complaint was that I had to walk when it was over. I needed a gurney to wheel me right up to bed.

I do have one more complaint. My hair.

I didn't brush out the hair spray before the scalp massage. As she massaged my scalp, my hair grew and grew and grew. It didn't help any that I was on my tummy with my head face down in the loop that holds your head on a masseuses table. Kaitlin gasped when she saw my hair. The masseuses took a step back from me. There is no picture on record of it because we were encouraged to not bring any valuables down with us. Let me just say you are either very sad or very happy there is no picture. When I finally saw myself in a mirror I died laughing- it was wild. When we got back to the dressing room we were looking for a bag for me to put over my head because we had to walk back into the motel to get on the elevators to get to our room. We found brushes and other accoutrements that we might need after a massage and did as much as we could with my hair, inbetween fits of laughter.

When we calmed down just a bit and saw ourselves in the mirror, we also noticed that our eyes looked just like area 54 lady. She hadn't seen an alien but was just really relaxed.

As we walked out of the relaxation room for the last time we saw a lady in a big comfy robe. We knew what she was in for. We told her that we had just had a massage and that she was in for a treat. We realized very quickly that she didn't make eye contact with us and hurried past us. Yup! We had the area 54 look plus my hair didn't help any either. In a few short minutes she will be joining our ranks, she just doesn't know it yet.

Below is what my hair looked like!

picture from google images of Phyllis Diller

I didn't have on a head band but you get the idea!

The Funroes in Albuquerque

2011-11-02T03:30:00.000-05:00

Albuquerque is just a fun word to spell! So after several days of meetings we left and drove the hour down the road to Albuquerque. We had about 24 hours here. This first picture is out our motel window. Beautiful mountains.

One thing Kaitlin learned on this trip is that my camera has an auto timer and will take three pictures in a row. I won't bore you with all the pictures but here is one we got Carl in.

Kaitlin and I were sitting in the lobby of our motel in Santa Fe, just enjoying the beautiful architecture when someone told us to go outside and have a good time. We smiled and then said to each other we can have fun in a mud puddle.

There is lots of sky in NM and we took a million cloud pictures.

Carl travels a lot. When you travel with Carl you don't check your bags. You just don't. Also, he doesn't like to eat at chain restaurants so he finds places on tripadvisor.com or urbanspoon or food network link to driveins, diners and dives. My brother Charles' rule is at least 7 cars at a restaurant before he'll eat there and I have a new one- windows-, It must have windows! Some places Carl picks out I refuse to eat at so he usually presents me with options. I'll soon do a whole post on where we ate but here is one place. It was good Southern food. We had breakfast there. We were the only tourists. How do I know that? Everyone in the place knew everyone else but us. But they were welcoming to us. They didn't even ask if I wanted chillies in my eggs !!

After breakfast we went to the Balloon Museum. Below are pictures made in a photo spot inside. I think they portray our personalities well.

what am I doing up here!

look how cool it looks from up here!

yawn, oh well, another day in a hot air balloon

Have you heard about the balloon races in Albuquerque? Have you ever wondered why they are there. This pictures tells you why. I never knew. The mountains from the first pictures are the mountains that help make up the box. Very interesting! The museum was very fascinating and I highly recommend it.

When the big area is not used for balloons it is a putting green. Here is a big picture window that looks out on the staging area for the balloon festival.

downtown Albuquerque

There are a few tall buildings here.

It was a great trip. It was fun to laugh with Carl and Kaitlin. It was good to see Carl's world so I know how to pray for him. It was mind blowing to think that the terrain changes so much just a few states over from us. Travel is fun but I agree with Dorothy 'There's no place like home'

Santa Fe or Red, Green or Christmas?

2011-11-01T10:07:00.000-05:00

Kaitlin and I went on a business trip with Carl to Santa Fe. If you are flying to Santa Fe, you generally fly into Albuquerque and drive to Santa Fe- who knew? So we flew into Albuquerque and drove.

I love State Capitol buildings and here I am at New Mexico's. It is rather hidden and doesn't announce it presence like most others.

This is the fall color in NM we saw no red.

Carl and Kaitlin in front of the capitol. See how hidden it is?

boots from NM

Our motel. Doesn't it look cool? It is five stories high. There are no tall buildings in Santa Fe. This was one of the tallest. It was very cool. Some of you know that our room had two bathrooms! Did you really catch that? TWO bathrooms! Kaitlin and I were very impressed, although I felt a little like the Clampets.

Next are pictures of the group we got to hang with for some of our time in Santa Fe. They are some of the spouses that also came on the trip. Here is Kay from Connecticut

Kathleen from Dallas and Dan from Oklahoma

Kaitlin with Marleen from Florida

Here is Kaitlin with her Hot Dog Mike shirt on by the sign marking the end of the Santa Fe Trail. This marker is in the Plaza in Santa Fe-the heart of the city. Just this year I have been to the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail and now here is the end. Do you know where the beginning of the trail is?

Just to the north of The Plaza is where the native Americans set up their wares. We had a great time looking and talking to the artists that made all the beautiful articles that we saw. Very neat.

We had a great trip and saw lots of very interesting things. I don't think I could live in NM because I don't eat peppers on everything. Red, green or Christmas-mixed- is how one waiter asked if we wanted our peppers. I finally learned to ask for them on the side even at breakfast! My most interesting meal was for one breakfast we ate at Cafe Pasqual's I had Huevos Motulenos. It was a corn tortilla with feta, black beans, egg, banana and green peas. It was very good!

More on Albuquerque tomorrow
Santa Fe trail starts in Independence, MO as does the Oregon Trail- do you have that tune stuck in your head from the computer game about the Oregon Trail now? yea, me too, sorry

Happy Reformation Day to you!

2011-10-31T03:30:00.000-05:00

Here is A Hymn for today from one of George Grant's blogs.

Happy Reformation Sunday!

2011-10-30T08:35:00.001-05:00

Scotty Smith prayers

A Gospel Prayer for Reformation Sunday

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Rom. 3:21-26

Dear Lord Jesus, how could your church ever forget, lose or reject this glorious gospel? What circumstances created the necessity for Martin Luther to nail his Ninety-Five Theses to the front door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg on October 31, 1517? Why would weever choose some other way of salvation over the way of grace? Rhetorical questions indeed, for I know my own proud and foolish heart.

I know that by nature I’m allergic to grace; and by notion, I want to believe there’s something I can do to make God accept and love me. But the gospel declares me to be a whole lot worse off than I can imagine, and certainly a whole lot worse than I want to acknowledge. I wasn’t just distanced from God; I was dead in my sins and trespasses—running as fast and as far as I could from free grace. Such is the insanity of sin.

Why was there a need for the first Reformation? Because of people like me. Why will the church continue to lose and rediscover the gospel of your grace? Because of people like me.

Jesus, how I praise you for showing me the great depth of my need and the ceiling-less heights of your provision in the gospel. Earn my salvation, impress God with my works, merit heaven by my rules keeping? I could sooner sneeze an aircraft carrier into existence; click my heels and turn the moon into chocolate cheesecake; snap my fingers and watch Niagara Falls reverse directions! O the arrogance of works righteousness. O the despair of works righteousness.

You’re no mere moral model to follow; you’re my perfect righteousness to wear. You don’t give second chances to sincere people, you give new life to rebels, fools and idolaters, like me. I needed you to fulfill all the demands of the law for me; and that is what you did by your life of perfect obedience. I needed you to absorb all the judgment and wrath I deserve from God; and that is what you accomplished once-and-for-all by your death on the cross.

I needed you to begin a good work in me by your Spirit and that you will complete by your Spirit; and that is what you have signed on for by your resurrection. I need you to be my Advocate before the Father when I sin, not my cheerleader or coach when I fall; and that is who are you this very moment. I need and want you to come back and finish making all things new—in me, in your whole Bride, and in your broken cosmos; and that is precisely what you will do one Day. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Jesus, on this Reformation Sunday, I once again affirm that my hope is built on nothingless, nothing more, and nothing other than your blood and your righteousness. On you, the solid and saving Rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. Keep bringing me back to the gospel, Jesus; keep bringing me back to the gospel plus nothing for my everything. So very Amen I pray, in your most holy and gracious name.

Savannah plus Andrew and Taylor equals fun

2011-10-29T03:30:00.000-05:00

Here we are celebrating my half-birthday on October 7th at Outback in Savannah with Andrew and Taylor.

On Saturday October 8th Uncle John and Aunt Elaine joined us at Andrew's for a football watching day. Our menu for the day included these fun burgers. I can only handle them about once a year but they sure are fun!

On Sunday we drove to Hilton Head to visit Uncle John and Aunt Elaine in the condo they have been vacationing in.

Here we are at Truffles Cafe Hilton Head. Carl found it on tripadvisor.com. It was really good!

Don't judge me because of Carl's bowling shirt, I try and I try

Here are our cute and sweet host and hostess for the week.

It was a wonderful vacation for me. Carl and I drove to Savannah and then Carl went to Dallas and Jackson and then flew back. I got to be with Andrew for two Saturdays of college football. We even got to watch some sport shows Andrew had recorded. I got to see their YMCA, library and go to church with them twice. We ate out and we cooked. Andrew and I talked about their recent trip and I worked on a scrapbook for their past vacation. We talked about Andrew doing some guest blogging for me, (I think you all would really enjoy his humor and outlook.) Andrew showed me that on the homepage on Goodreads on my phone, there is a scanner so I can upload bar codes of books that I want to read or have read. I learned that Margherita Pizza is named after the first queen of Italy and it has the colors of the Italian Flag. But most of all we laughed. Andrew used my computer and got on my facebook account. He rated my children for me and guess who was number one! I returned the favor and made his facebook status so sappy that several of his friends called to ask if he was ok!!

I believe a fun time was had by all!

The Roque Crew

2011-10-28T03:30:00.000-05:00

While I was in Savannah I finished reading The Roque Crew. It is a Redwall book. I love the Redwall books! They are a series of books written by Brian Jacques. The books take place in and around the abbey at Redwall. The stories are about good and evil and good always wins but not without great cost. The characters are all animals- British animals, some I have never heard of. There are 22 books in this series and there will be no more because Mr Jacques died this past February. He wrote the first 5 books for students he encountered on his milk route. They were blind so he provided them with fantastic descriptions. I love these books, some more than others. My all time favorite is the first, Redwall. I just finished his last one, The Roque Crew. It was outstanding but I didn't really want to finish it. Now I have to say good bye to all the friends that I have made over the years. I am sad that we will have no new adventures together.

Maybe I'll start at the beginning and reread some...

Willy and Michael and me!

2011-10-27T16:15:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of the month I was singing with Willy Nelson "On the Road Again, Just can't wait to get on the road again" Carl and I left on the 6 and started our trip to Savannah and Andrew and Taylor's. We stayed that night in a motel and made it there on the 7th. Carl went on a few trips while I got to stay with them. A fun time was had by all. We headed home on the 17th with a stop in Tupelo and a visit with our friend, Chris. We made it home on the 18th.

On the morning of the 22, after Kaitlin walked The Race For the Cure and Carl and I cheered on the participates, we, three, headed to the airport. Our destination was Santa Fe, NM. Carl had a meeting there and Kaitlin and I got to go with him. We had a blast. We got home about 8 last night. Near the end of our trip I started singing with Michael Buble "I want to go home"

I have lots of pictures to show you and lots of things I learned to share with you but now I need to go put some clothes in the wash and unpack my suitcases (I haven't unpacked from Savannah yet-yikes!)

What are you singing today??

Take your pick

2011-10-19T10:02:00.000-05:00

Kaitlin and I went to Walmart a few days ago. We both found things we liked. As I got ready to take a few pictures to show you our finds- Kaitlin got a little carried away with showing what she likes and what she doesn't!

White chocolate candy corn m&m's- yum. They are very rich so you can just eat a few. Look for them.

Kaitlin likes these interesting things. hhhmmm is all I can say. You will have to ask her about them because, well, I don't plan to try them but she loves them!!!!

contentment

2011-10-17T09:36:00.000-05:00

I was encouraged by this devotion by Elisabeth Elliot

Cardinals or Rangers or Brewers or Tigers oh my

2011-10-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

These are the sports stories that I enjoy the most. This is a great story from baseball this year no matter who your team is.

A little of this and a little of that

2011-10-15T06:21:00.000-05:00

31 days This post list a group of several hundred bloggers who are setting aside October to blog about certain topics for 31 days. It was so much fun. Just so you don't get too overwhelmed here are a few of my favorites. #103, # 80, #46, #8, #406, #386, #277, and #211. I've gotten book suggestions, laughed and learned the difference between effect and affect. Enjoy!

For Tim, Del, Josh and many others

2011-10-14T05:57:00.000-05:00

This is Pastor Appreciation Month. I know this because I have a daughter who works at Hallmark! We have cards that we plan to mail this month. Here is a good reminder to us all Things to do for our pastors
I would encourage you all to follow through with these things today.

I am ready to go back

2011-10-13T06:02:00.000-05:00

These are the books I have decided to read this October. An Untamed Land was a wonderful, quick read. I plan to find others in the series. I am working on Walker Percy Remembered. It is not one you can curl up in bed with so I am having to work at that one.

I am pleased to report- I miss my public library! My list of books I want to read is growing. I think I will celebrate November Fools Day by visiting the library after I request a few online.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-12T13:13:00.000-05:00

very interesting

could I think of 54 things?

2011-10-11T06:31:00.001-05:00

great idea for a Birthday. I am making my list now so I'll be ready.

Addie Lou, I love you!

2011-10-07T07:10:00.000-05:00

Today is my precious mama's birthday. If she were living, she would be 86. That seems so young to me. If she were living I picture that we would spend the day together. My children, Carl and my brothers and their wives would be there too. There would be lots of laughter! There always was.

I plan to celebrate my mama's birthday by reading a book she would have enjoyed. Walker Percy remembered by David Horace Harwell. My mama loved Walker Percy. I find his work a bit, shall we say, interesting-different-unusual, but I still keep coming back to it. There is something in his writing that my mama enjoyed and I am searching to find that, to find a piece of her. Maybe it is just that I feel like I am reading something that she has read so in a weird sort of way it is a shared book, a shared experience.

Today is also my Half-Birthday! I always treat my self today because if my precious mama was still living I'd be treating her!! We shall eat out today and I don't plan to do any chores around the house. My biggest treat for the day is Carl. He is taking the whole day off to be with me. What an amazing gift that is!

I hope you have an amazing October 7th. I'll let you know how mine goes!

My furst favowite month is October

2011-10-01T12:01:00.000-05:00

We have a friend, Kelsey, who is a senior in high school. Hard to believe! We have know Kelsey her whole life. Kelsey and her sisters love Kaitlin. Once, when Kelsey was 4, she shared her favowite colors with Kaitlin. This is what she shared-

My furst favowite color is Purple
My second favowite is green
I don't have a thurd
but my fourth is orange.

We have laughed for years over this as has Kelsey.

So in honor of Kelsey-

My first favorite month is October
My second favorite month is April
I don't have a third
but my fourth is November.

What is your favorite month?

Is there a Guess in the house?

2011-09-27T16:52:00.002-05:00

My friend, Clare, has a friend, whose last name is Guess. He was used to all the teasing but he did admit it was the worst when he joined the army. Can you imagine the conversation when the drill sergeant called upon him to state his name and his answer was Guess, Sir!!!!! It didn't go well until both parties came to an understanding.

What is in a name?

When we go to a local sandwich shop we always have to give a name for them to call out and I love giving Kaitlin's name because she rolls her eyes at me. Now we have a contest to see who can say a name first when the guy asks for a name. Alas, she usually wins and gives out our last night, but soon, don't tell her, I'm going to say "Elvis" or "Prince" or "Madonna" and we'll see what she does?!?!

Here's an article you will enjoy along these lines

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904106704576582834147448392.html

So do you always give out your real name??

I survived my visit to the library

2011-09-26T17:49:00.000-05:00

I went to the library today. I just put my big girl panties on, faced my fears, and walked in to pay for the book I lost. I went up to the desk when a friendly looking librarian was manning the circulation desk. She checked in all my books and then I confessed that I was ready to pay for the book I lost and get it off my conscious. She was very sympathetic. She told me that I needed to wait for the library to send me a bill but then she said " Let me check with the head librarian." Oh no, you guessed it, Miss Looked Stern Over Her Glasses at Me came to the computer where Miss Friendly was. She is the head librarian! Yikes!! After she nailed me with another stern look, she asked Miss Friendly if someone had checked the shelf. Miss Friendly checked the computer and then said that no one had. She told me to cross my fingers and went to check the shelf....... and ...... she ..... Found the book!

I think she would have done a little happy dance with me if Miss Stern wasn't standing there. She was as happy as I was. She thanked me for wanting to set my record straight, for wanting to get right with the library.

As I thanked her profusely, she was quick to point out that the idea to check the shelf belonged to Miss Stern (not what she called her).

So I am glad Miss Stern was at the library today. I think she even cracked a very small smile as I said "Thank You!"

I will sleep well tonight, my library record has been cleared.

October Resolution

2011-09-22T04:30:00.000-05:00

I keep a notebook by my computer, well actually, I keep several but in one I write all the books that are mentioned online or in newspapers that I want to read. I usually then see if my library has them and if they do, I request them. If not, I toy with buying them.

Well, for the month of October, I plan to just write down the books that sound good but... drum roll...I don't plan to request any from the library or buy them....Has she lost her mind...maybe...I plan to read books that I already have...what a shocking statement! I know, I know, can you believe I plan to do this.

Some of it has to do with feeling bad about the books that I have here that I haven't read and some of it-most of it- has to do with the way the librarian looked over her glasses at me the last time I went to the circulation desk. I asked a question and she had to pull up my account. She then paused and took a long look at me before she said that I have two 14 day books out past due. I almost pulled a chair up and sat myself in the corner. Wow, if looks can make you bring books back, this librarian has them.

I have also...lost a book. There I said it. It wasn't even a good book so when I pay for it, if I find it, I'll gladly give it back to the library and they will have two copies.

I don't plan to go pay for my book when 'miss stern looking librarian' is behind the desk. I may go to a different branch to pay for it. I'll let you know.

To get fired up for this I am perusing my shelves and setting books aside. I'll get that list to you soon.

More Books Books Books!

2011-09-21T04:30:00.000-05:00

The Last Letter from your Lover by Jojo Moyers. I had a trouble getting over the morals in this one. It was a well written book. A woman is in a car wreck and has amnesia. She has forgotten where she was going when the accident happened. The book tells in flashback form the story. I do plan to check to see if this author has more books.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. This book is getting lots of ink, I had to find out why. I am still not sure what I think about it.

Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashers. Kaitlin and Marisa enjoyed the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies, which means I have seem them several times. When I saw that this book was coming out I was intrigued. This book could be the concluding story for all the girls. It was somewhat light. I enjoyed it. You know what directions all the girls are headed in.

Tolstoy and the Purple Chair by Nina Sankovitch. This book is on my Christmas list! Hint hint- if any husband or children are reading this. Nina reads a book a day to help her grieve the loss of her sister. This book is about that year, her books and her insights. What amazing insights. One of my favorites is her thoughts on when someone recommends a book to you. She points out that when they do this, they are baring a little of their soul to you and you need to be careful. All book weren't meant for all people so treat their feelings gently if you don't like the book. Nina is not a Christian so she didn't have the power of God to help her through her grief or give her eternal security and that did make me sad but I still highly recommend this one!

Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner. Lots of stories that intersected. I have loved this author in the past and I will try her again but this wasn't my favorite. But who knows, you may love it!

Untold Story by Monica Ali. What if Princess Diana had had plastic surgery and was living in the US right now under an assumed name? Interesting premiss but the book left me sad.

No Time on My Hands by Grace Snyder. My friend Laura recommended this one and I am glad she did. This book is about homesteading in Nebraska. The story is told by the author about her life. It was a fun read. It told about the hardships of her life but it wasn't depressing. One of my favorite stories was how she would take the cows out to pasture and have to stay with them all day. She would grow tired and want to take a nap. She would climb up on the back of her favorite cow and sleep- I guess if you are tired enough, you can sleep anywhere.

How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quidlen. This is an essay written by the author. It is encouraging plus she gives several great book lists.

The Girl in the Blue Beret by Bobbie Ann Mason. This book is set in WWII and today. A pilot who was shot down during the war goes back to Europe to find those who helped him. Interesting.

The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel. Another one for my Christmas list- hint hint! One of Hitler's many goals was to have a city in Germany that the art world would come to and treasure more than Florence, Italy. He stole so much art for this purpose. This book is about the men and women who set out to find the art and return it to it's proper owners. At the beginning of the book you meet the men and at the end of the book you find out what happened to them all. I want to sit down with this book and look up all the art that is mentioned in it.

Thanks for all the books you share with me!

Books Books Books!

2011-09-20T06:13:00.000-05:00

It is past time for a book post and I am sorry. I am getting over a bout with pink eye- how at 53 do you get pink eye? Believe you me, I have the cleanest hands on the face of the earth and will continue to do so. Reading helped distract me from the terrible itching. I am better today but may still wear my dark shades when I am out so I don't creep you out! On to books...

The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser. I love this author and this book did not disappoint me. It is set in Atlanta around the Great Depression. I was hooked from the beginning. There is romance, mystery, friendship and loyalty. It is a great one!

In a Heartbeat:Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving by Leigh Anne Tuohy. This book was written by the mother of the family that took in Michael Oher of Blindside fame. It is a happy book. It is a quick read and you will be encouraged. My favorite part was the retelling of Michael's 21 birthday party. He wanted to ride some roller coasters so they flew to Ohio to a park that has 17 different coasters. He brought some friends. They had never flown on a small plane before and Leigh Anne had her hands full getting them onto the plane. I don't want to spoil it for you what happened next, so get it and read it.

Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand. This book got rave reviews in USAToday so I checked it out of the library. The main character's husband is arrested for stealing millions through a ponzi scheme. She is also under investigation. It was well written. It was set in Nantucket and I could feel the salty air on my face as the author described it. I plan to read more by this author.

Man in Rockefeller Suit by Mark Seal. This in non-fiction. The man is in prison today for pretending to be a Rockefeller. Is he guilty? I read about this book in the Wall Street Journal and was intrigued. It somewhat creeped me out. You may love it, I didn't.

The Remarkable Rough Riding Life of Theodore Roosevelt by Cheryl Harness. This is a juvenile book and it is a great one. It is a quick read and my favorite is at the bottom of every page is the horizontal history that was going on around the world during TR lifetime. I am toying with adding this one to my Christmas list. TR is my favorite president.

The Trailblazing Life of Daniel Boone by Cheryl Harness. Written like the book above with the horizontal history at the bottom of each page. I learned a lot while reading this book- Did you know that Jane Austin wrote Pride and Prejudice during Daniel's life time?

Gone with a Handsomer Man by Michael Lee West. Kaitlin picked this book up at the library for me based on the cover. I enjoyed it. Mystery, romance and the end is set up for a sequel that I'll be looking for.

Request these from the library and I'll be back tomorrow with a few more!

Too Much CSI?

2011-09-16T13:02:00.000-05:00

Carl had some trouble with his car so we played 'Musical Vehicles' on Thursday. He drove the van I usually drive so he left through the garage instead of the back door. I stopped on my way home from Bible Study and got a few groceries. With the groceries, I decided to park in the garage to unload them. As I opened up the garage there was a stool in the middle. I couldn't get in without moving it. Why was it there? Maybe Carl put it there to remind me not to park there?!? Sure, that had to be it!

I parked outside and just brought some of the groceries in the house. I talked to Carl latter in the day and I asked him about the stool. He had no idea why the stool was there. The hair stood up on the back of my neck, no idea?!? I didn't either. Now I am afraid to go out to the garage. Maybe the stool is a sign for something, maybe it is to show that my van is not at home, maybe if I move it ...

I creeped myself out. I didn't move the stool but I sure kept a look out for any unusual activity. I would see them if they came back. -How did they get in in the first place? they were good! no doors left unlocked or open-

Kaitlin came home at 4. She asked why I didn't park in the garage? I told her, quietly, just in case. She calmly walked out to the garage and moved the stool, nothing fell on her head- there was nothing above her but the ceiling but on the tv stuff falls from overhead a lot, no bullets rang out, no nothing!

Then she calmly reminded me that she set the stool up that morning to wait for a few minutes until I was ready and she was enjoying the beautiful weather. She apologized for not moving it.

I was relieved that the next mass murderer had not set up camp near us and the mystery was solved.

2011-09-12T04:00:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite drink and we found out last year that it is seasonal! We bought 4 packs on Friday when Kaitlin saw it at Kroger.

I am thankful

2011-09-11T06:21:00.002-05:00

1- 10 years ago John, Kaitlin and I were on our way to an exercise class where Kaitlin and John helped babysit while I exercised. As the phones started ringing letting all of us know what was happening in NYC and at the Pentagon, the song that we were exercising to was 'God is in control'. How fitting that was! I am thankful that He is in control!

2-10 years ago, Carl was at work getting ready to leave that afternoon for a trip. I called him with the news of the attack. He came home to us that night. I am thankful he was in town when it happened.

3-10 years ago our church had a prayer meeting that Tuesday night. We sat in a circle and held hands as we prayed. Folks from my church knew folks that were pilots or lived in NYC and worked in the Twin Towers or in some way could have been impacted by the events of the day. I am thankful for the beauty and the comfort of that prayer meeting.

4-10 years ago one of Carl's brothers, Larry, was in Washington DC getting ready to go to a briefing with a Senator. Needless to say it was cancelled. He had already checked out of his motel because he was scheduled to fly out that afternoon. His story of his trip back to Alabama is very interesting. He said that it was lesson in team building. He met several strangers all headed south. They( not sure how many) rented a car and crammed into it and drove south, they checked airports and rental car places in cities they passed to get another car. They finally found a second car. The folks then figured out a path for both cars to get everyone home. Larry was going the furthest south so he drove one, dropping folks off at their towns or near their towns where someone could pick them up. I am thankful Larry made it home safely.

5-10 years ago Andrew was a sophomore at AUBURN. When I talked to him that day, I could hear the panic in his voice or maybe it was just that I wanted all my babies with me! I told Carl that we needed to go see Andrew. We left that Thursday and headed to AUBURN. I didn't tell Andrew our plans in case something came up at work for Carl. I talked to Andrew on Thursday and asked where he wanted to eat supper on Thursday night. I forget what restaurant he picked out. After we talked a little longer I said "Walk out of your dorm and into our van and let's go eat supper!" He was overjoyed as was I. Andrew slept in our motel room that night with us because I needed us all to be together. I am thankful that my family was able to all be together that week.

6- we live in a city with an Air Force base. We often have service men and women attending church with us. They are prayed for by name every Sunday, even more so, when they are deployed. I am thankful for them and the service they do for me and my family.

7- July 2002, we flew into Boston's Logan airport. On our flight we met a flight attendant that should have been on one of those flights. Her mother called the morning of 9/11 and needed to go to the doctor. Our attendant got a replacement and took her mother to the doctor. She couldn't go back to work for several months because she felt guilt and then fear. She went back because she loves her job and didn't want bin laden to take that away from her. Very sobering for us. I am thankful for all those who had the courage to get back to doing their jobs.

8- I am thankful for our flag and what it means.

9- I am thankful for the courageous men and women on those flights that knew what was about to happen.

10- I am thankful for the USA and that I was blest to be born and live here.

11- I am thankful for Jesus Christ and His life given for me that I may have eternal life with Him. I am so blest!

If I had a hammer?

2011-09-06T20:22:00.003-05:00

This is what the living room and dining room looked like after Robert and John brought out from storage all the pictures that were taken down before the painting happened.
Then Carl, aka my picture hanger, went to work. This is in the foyer. Photo by Ross.

The corner in the living. Photos of Kaitlin and Marisa by SaraE.

The gray wall in the dining room with pictures and graphic design work by Kaitlin.
Pine cone by Marisa. I have several more of her works to frame and then Carl will hang them on 'her' wall.
This picture was taken in, by my best guess, 1968? Do you think you see Kaitlin? It is me. We have lots of fun with this picture.
I don't often keep flowers on the floor but I had to move them to take pictures. The picture on the blue wall is by Ross.
I love and am blest by all my art!

AUBURN Football

2011-09-05T21:21:00.002-05:00

Read about an ESPN special on AUBURN Football ! We hope to watch it.

33 HA

2011-08-31T03:57:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry I didn't take a picture of the article in our local paper saying that July was a banner month for my library system. They checked out more books than ever.

EVER

Remember this post

I take a little credit for the increase circulation, I'm just saying.

Are you crafty???

2011-08-30T03:05:00.000-05:00

Kaitlin and I had a craftcation or a staycation with crafts or a craftlapaloosa! We randomly picked a week out in August and decided that we were going to dedicate that week to crafts. When Kaitlin got her work schedule we were stunned that she had three days off in a row that week. She has never had that. How perfect!

In my preparation for our week, I cleaned off my desk so I could scrapbook in the same room as Kaitlin sewed and I found a gift certificate for Mt Fuji- thanks JenniferW! We used it one day for lunch.

I did all I could on my scrapbook called 'It's all about Kaitlin'. That is the scrapbook about her senior show, graduation and fun party afterwards. I then ordered pictures to finish it up and they should be here soon. I then started on the wedding albums for Marisa and John's wedding. I am doing an album for them and me too. I got all the photos culled for the first album which will be mine. I did this with Taylor too. I get all the kinks worked out on my scrapbook and then the second one is much faster to do.

Kaitlin sewed, tye-dyed, went through lots of pictures she has taken, and then she sewed some more. She sewed bags and pillow cases.

We bought Step-Up 3. It is a dance movie that we both enjoy. When all the books fell off the sub-woofer we realized that we might have it a wee bit LOUD. We just moved the books and enjoyed the rest of the movie.

NCIS season 8 was delivered on day 2 of our craftcation. It took us 6 days to watch that season mainly because of the Hurricane and our obsession with it.

More than just making things we laughed and visited. Several of my friends shared that they wished that their daughters would want to have a craftcation with them. I have on my to-do list to pray for all the mamas and daughters I know. I am praying for a spirit of unity. If you have this unity now, thank God for it, if not, please know that I am praying for you.

So now for pictures!

Here is Kaitlin holding a shirt of mine that I got a stain on. I could not get it out and I was ready to throw the shirt away. She said that she would like to use Rit dye on it. The last picture on this post is the final project. Just beautiful- Right ElizabethT??????
not only did she make bags but she decorated some too.
Here is a page from the wedding scrapbook- it is Marisa's shower.
lots of bags and a few pillow cases.
my very cool, one of a kind shirt. I wore it to church yesterday.We had a fabulous time! We hope to have one more before Christmas. Maybe we'll watch the next season of Castle during that one. I'll let you know!

Some more during and the finished project

2011-08-29T14:24:00.003-05:00

Majel and Wade loved that the laundry room had to be all hand painted-NOT

but having a blue laundry is life changing. I just love it!
Here is a 'floors going in' photo. The white panels on the right side are the cabinet doors from the laundry room.
Isn't it just beautiful?
I am blest to have lots of artists in my life- Kaitlin, Marisa, Ross, Sara, Mindy to name a few. I have their art to hang up. I think that is on Carl's honey-do list for this weekend.I am very pleased with the work. I feel like I have moved into a new house with not all the stress of moving.

More Before and a little During

2011-08-27T06:38:00.005-05:00

The Cabinet Doors were off in the laundry room.

Lots of beige is what you see with a few splashes of the new color!
Can you say LOTS of BEIGE
Before the doors were off
Here is Wade doing some prep work. All the carpet has been pulled up at this point.
The wallpaper is gone!It took about two weeks for all the work. We had a laughing good time with Wade, Majel and Majel's wife, Jody. We learned that Wade loves to sing to country music, even Taylor Swift! Majel loves to eat catsup on everything and a little rice goes a long way with him. Jody is very sweet and calls everyone either baby or sweetheart.

The Before

2011-08-24T10:13:00.003-05:00

Here are the before pictures.

The dining room with a paint swatch.

The dining room with wall paper.
The beige living room
The living room with a paint swatch.The painting is all done but the rooms are still empty. After the rooms get cleaned, we will start putting the rooms back together.

This is exciting!

A week of fun!

2011-08-21T15:55:00.004-05:00

Lots has been going on here. We've had some painting done.
I've been on several trips with Carl.

In June I went with him to Dallas. I had a wonderful visit with my cousin Vicki. We had supper one night with Vicki, her husband, Alex, their daughter in law, Julie and 3 of their 5 grandchildren, Melina, Sela and Lili

In July I went to Kansas City, MO with Carl. I had a great visit there with my friend, LindaG. Here she is with her daughter in law, Angie and 2 of her 3 granddaughters, Grace and Elizabeth.Kaitlin and I plan a vacation of sorts for this next week. We can't decide if we should call it a staycation or craftlopaloosa. We plan to stay home and create. I hope to finish the scrapbook on Kaitlin's graduation and make great headway into the one on John and Marisa's wedding. Kaitlin plans to make bags and maybe even me a pillow case :)

More paint pictures and finished craft pictures to follow.

I hope you have a great week planned too!!!!

I do love lists!

2011-08-19T08:40:00.003-05:00

Here is a great article from Michael Hyatt. He talks about leadership skills. Here are three that really struck me.

Worrying is temporary atheism. Rid yourself of worry.

Retreat and Rest—if ships don’t come back to the harbor, they’ll eventually sink

Spend time reading and receiving the Truth every morning, because the world will only lie to you the rest of the day.

A shout out to KimT for this!

I got that crystal football!

2011-08-17T19:33:00.003-05:00

WAR EAGLEIt has already started. We have not even had the first football game and several fans from not the AUBURN TIGERS have already started in on me.

I hear things like you know that "we" will beat you this year. ( I want to say "we"???? Did you suit up?? but that is another fight for another day) or they start in on Cam Newton or how AUBURN isn't going to win very many games this year at all.... Blah Blah Blah Blah

Andrew gave me my answer and it has worked quite well, so you may use it too, if you need too.

Let them do all their talking and then when they stop to take a breath, calmly tell them you can't understand them because you have a crystal football in your ear. So far it has worked every time. They usually smile and are speechless and we go onto another subject.

If those same folks, and I have no doubt they will, come back to me, if perhaps AUBURN doesn't beat their team, my second answer is that I will cry myself to sleep that night on my National Championship Sheets! If they are really rude then I'll tell them that I have 3 Heisman Trophy pillow cases!!

Kaitlin was at Panera the other morning and she saw a man in an UnderAmour AUBURN shirt. She stopped by his chair and gave him a cheery WAR EAGLE, He greeted her with his WAR EAGLE and then a lady in a booth that was close to them gave them both a WAR EAGLE. They both shared their stories about how the fans of a certain state have already started in with the smack talk. Kaitlin gave them the above answers to those smack talkers, they both laughed and thanked her profusely.

If you have any smack talkers that come your way, please use the above if you need to!

SEC Football!!! Are you Ready??

2011-08-12T04:43:00.000-05:00

T’was a month before football, and all through the South
Rabid fans everywhere were running their mouth.
The recruits were all arriving to show off their wares,
In hopes that playing time soon would be theirs.

Here's the rest of this Wonderful Poem about SEC football.

WAR EAGLE!!

I am thankful

2011-08-11T11:37:00.003-05:00

I decided last December to mark my months differently this year. Since this is 2011, I have been marking the 11 of ever month. I try to take time on this day every month to breath deeper and just pause.

I have also tried to write down or take pictures of things I am thankful for. Here is this month's list.

I am thankful for the job I have and the job Carl has. I am very thankful that I don't have his job. I have been able to go on a few trips with him this summer and I was worn out and Carl just kept on going. Whew

I am thankful for electricity. When Andrew started his field work in the power industry, he was instructed to wear only cotton because if he gets burned the cotton is better for his cute little body than polyester. Really, Really- I could have lived my whole life without that knowledge. Andrew is dressed for work in cotton and covered in his mama's prayers for his safety. A man died a few days ago in the line of work that Andrew does. He left a wife and children. When you flip a switch today, pray for all the men and women that are working so that you have that ability and ask God to protect them. You can pray for Andrew too!

I am thankful for a long to-do list. meals to cook, scrapbooks to make, schedules to keep track of, friends to visit with, laundry to fold, prayers to be said, windows to be looked out of, sons to talk to as they drive from one meeting to another...

I am thankful for those that are gifted in areas that I am not. I have known this for awhile but I am ready to reveal that I missed getting the housekeeping gene when I got my DNA. I have read books on it and made lots of lists but I just don't get it. With my back injury I have been instructed to not sweep or vacuum - not that that was happening around here anyway! Heather and Sandy bless my life with their love of cleaning and laugher along the way. We all say "AHHH, Heather was here today!" or "Super Sandy sure made this beautiful"

I am thankful for rain.

I am thankful for my cel phone. I love having the four square app, I love the camera, I love that I can text and chat at the same time, I love the I can check my email and twitter from my phone.

I am thankful for Wade and Majel. They are my wonderful handymen. I am getting a few rooms painted in our house by them. Wade came last night and painted the ceilings. He ate supper with us and we had a laughing good time. His only draw back is that he is a BIG hog fan :) I'll post pictures soon!

I am thankful for Carl and all the furniture he moved for the above thankfulness to happen. I really thought we would have a piano next to the kitchen table which would be next to the hide-a-bed but we don't. I still have room for folks to stay the night even.

I am thankful for the joy Kaitlin brings to life. She recently had a team building meeting with about 60 work colleagues. They had to have their pictures made by groups that work together. Kaitlin pulled her group together and suggested that their group jump. They all agreed. When the BIG Boss got ready to take their picture, Kaitlin asked her to count to three, she did and then they jumped. BIG Boss loved it!!!

I am thankful for the new little life that Marisa is carrying. How exciting is that!

I am thankful for good books. I will blog some new ones soon. I only have 25 check out now!

I hope you have a thankfulness day each month!

I really hate sin

2011-08-10T04:20:00.000-05:00

In my quest to learn about friendship, I came across this

Forgiveness is straightforward, but the issues related to forgiveness certainly have layers. We are to forgive 70 x 7 times, but that does not mean the relationship will look the same at forgiveness #1 as it does at forgiveness # 499. Sin is the destroyer of relationships. And forgiveness can be extended, yes, but there will still be consequences. Sometimes the consequences include divorce, broken friendships, or just a distance where there was once closeness. The Bible says that we are to be at peace with all men, as far as is possible with us. Sometimes, no matter what we may try to do, or what we actually do in forgiveness, it is simply impossible.

Read the whole article here. It is by Nancy Wilson

His name was Bill but I called him Daddy.

2011-08-09T04:56:00.000-05:00

1976

35 years ago on August 9th

where were you?

were you even born?

I had just graduated from high school in Alabama in May and I was headed to AUBURN in September. My daddy was sick but he would get better, surely.

He died on August 9th. It seems like a million years and then again it seems like yesterday.

When my daddy fought in WWII, he was injured and sent to a hospital. While there, he memorized all the poems in a poem book called 101 Famous Poems.

I think I shall set aside some time today to read some poetry from that book and thank God for my wonderful daddy.

I now have a new reason to love Oreos!

2011-08-08T07:50:00.002-05:00

This blog is for you and for my friend, Julie. She recently shared with me her desire to learn more about the moon. I came across this on Pinterest and thought of her. What a fun way to learn about the moon phases.

sciencebob is the web site this came from.

Enjoy!

Do you have a daily reading list??

2011-08-05T07:43:00.003-05:00

I love to read.

And honestly, I get tired of folks who find out that I love to read and proceed to tell me, with great condensation, that they don't have time to read, but what they are really saying is, that I shouldn't have time to read either.