Monday, March 31

Rainy days and Mondays....

Actually, to tell you the truth I usually like the rain when it is cold outside. There is this wonderful sense of wanting to cuddle up and read a book or read a good blog. BUT today it is HUMID and hot here and that makes me grouchy. I also have a School Board meeting tonight and that means long and sometimes frustrating conversations. My prayer today is Lord, bring me some JOY.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:19

Friday, March 28

why can't the Mommy just be sick?

I've got whatever my daughter had...I'm miserable. Why can't Mommies just lay on the couch and ask for things to be delivered to them?


I just want one sick day please... on the couch watching the food network or HGTV all day. Is that too much to ask?

Wednesday, March 26

Works for Me Wednesday... Sinus Miracle


I'm joining the Works For Me Wednesday Group. Every Wednesday bloggers from all over talk about something good they have found that "Works for them". So, today I'm telling you about my miracle friend. The Neil Med Sinus Rinse First let me tell you, I have SERIOUS sinus issues. I've had two sinus surgeries and have chronic acute sinus infections. I will spare you the gross details, although some of you know how miserable it gets for me from time to time. Well, as it happens, today is a BAD sinus day. I could hardly wait to leave choir tonight to get home and rinse out my head. What a relief in minutes. Now I know, some of you are saying, "OH yeah, I use a nettie pot". Well I used to do that, and this is a nettie pot on steriods. I never had the relief and results with that like I do with this little wonder
I used to make my own mixture of baking soda and salt, but this comes pre-mixed and ready to go with me. Very convient. I LOVE this and it has saved me from having surgery again...I truly believe it. My allergist and ENT swear by it. Now, Becky, if you skulking around here... you better pipe in and give a big AMEN here. I know you love it like I do.

Tuesday, March 25

Finding the words

I find myself searching for the right thing to say. I know you have been there too. You are in a situation that is unthinkable, unimaginable and you are trying to find the words to say when in reality, words will NEVER be enough.

In the past year we have been to more funerals than I can begin to number to you. In fact I was at a funeral when I got word that our good friends daughter had been killed in a tragic accident. This week would have been her third birthday, and her parents are mourning that she is not here to celebrate. I can not begin to know how they feel, I just know my heart hurts for them. As I was thinking of them and praying for God to continue to heal their hearts, God gave them a glimpse of His grace. Easter Sunday, as we were closing a joyous service at church, I looked and coming down the aisle was one of their other little girls. She was walking with her Mommy to tell everyone she has asked Jesus to be in her heart. I was standing on stage with her Daddy, as we were preparing to sing. He quickly went down to be with them and the rest of us were in tears as we rejoiced in God's grace. For a family who has spent so much time talking about heaven and who they would greet when they got there, a little girl asked Jesus in her heart and is assured to see her little sister again in Glory.

So, I rejoice with them in this wonderful decision made by a young girl, but my heart aches for them as they continue to grieve.

Then last night we got word from my sister that her sweet 6 year old neighbor, Jackson is dying. We have been praying for him since his diagnosis in Dec. 2006 of a inoperable brain tumor. He is in the final stages now and will not live much longer. I sat at the foot of my daughter's bed last night and wept and prayed as she slept. I thanked God for her, and asked that He would protect her and then I just prayed for Jackson and for our friends and ask for comfort for them all. Our friends have the hope and knowledge that they will one day see their little girl again, but I don't know that Jackson's parents have that same assurance, I don't know if they are Christ followers.

So, when words are not enough, when it is too painful to try to understand...all I can think to do is pray and trust that when I need the words, God will just speak to me and through me.

Saturday, March 22

Happy Easter

Well my daughter has been sick again all this week. We thought it was strep but it was "hand, foot & mouth" virus. Basically, very painful with high fever and you just have to let it pass. The worst thing it is very contagious and she has missed out on seeing and playing with her triplet cousins who are in town right now. I just could not expose them to the misery of our last week. Poor little thing, at night she has been miserable, can't sleep because her throat hurts so bad...
I think she has turned the corner and she had a good night. Thank you, Lord.

Now, I am struggling with the "do we take her to church tomorrow for Easter" question. I honestly think she is over the contagious part, but I am certain we got this wonderful virus last week at church. So... I will have to think long and hard about that today. Granna has already agreed to watch her tomorrow if we don't want to take her to church as me and my husband have major responsibilities for the Easter services at tomorrow. It is tough for sure.

I pray you have a Easter that is full of joy and that you will celebrate the Risen Lord If you do not know the story of Jesus, I pray you will soon know of His love for you and His power to change your life.

Happy Easter!

Sunday, March 16

Cutest bunny ever!




My wonderfully talented sister Lisa made this adorable bunny. It was her very first attempt at something like this. How cool is she? She decided to teach herself how to crochet two months ago and has made all sorts of stuff. But this is by far one of my favorites.


Look at this cute sweater? I think she should sale this stuff... don't you?

Payback or something...

So, since we came back from our trip to Kentucky, my daughter is paying us back for leaving her, I guess. My parents tell me what an angel she was for them and what a joy she was. I am thankful for that. BUT for us... OH MY GOODNESS. Every night it has been a battle of wills to get her in bed. This has not been a problem before, but now, Oh MY!

I will say this... we had been letting her sleep with the light on, I know you are saying, duh stupid, that was a mistake. Well, she slept as good as she did with it off but it was a stage of being afraid of the dark. THEN I found out that when at the grandparents house, this was not happening. So, we told her that the light was going off...and the battle has begun. Friday night, she screamed, I mean SCREAMED in her room for over an hour. At one point, I really thought our neighbor, who is a police officer, was going to come over and arrest us for abusing our child because I'm sure the whole neighborhood heard her. Even though she was in her room all by herself. But she finally relented and fell asleep. Temper tantrums have never been an issue with our child. So this is new. Really, it is. She is trying us at all levels.

We stood strong, we did not give in, we did not go back into her room, even when she was screaming for Daddy. Of course she did not scream for me, she knew I would not give in, Daddy was her best hope and I was so very thankful that he was firm. I know he tends to give in and I am praying daily, literally praying daily that he will be firm and consistent in discipline. It is tough for Daddy's to be firm with their little girls. But I am tired of being the bad guy and after this week, his patience has run thin.

So, we will continue to go over The Rules every night they are:
1. Lights off
2. Stay in Bed
3. No talking - be quite
4. No playing
5. eyes closed go to sleep

Am I forgetting anything? She is 3 1/2 years old. In case you did not know.
Please someone, tell me this too shall pass! I'm trying all the "Love and Logic" I can think of but I feel like I'm failing a bit right now.

I'm ready... hit me with your best advice...PLEASE!

Thursday, March 13

our snow days...


We flew in to Lexington, Kentucky on Sunday morning after the biggest snow storm in 10 years. It was absolutely beautiful. We needed to see beauty, God knew our hearts were heavy. As you know, the Kentucky Derby is in Louisville, but most of the horse farms are around Lexington. What a vision to look out the airplane window and see all the snow blanketing these magnificent farms.

It was bitter-sweet to be back in Kentucky; so happy to see loved ones, but sad to say goodbye to Grandma Ruth. She already looked like an angel when we saw her at the funeral home, I am grateful for that.

I want to share with you the words to this song... so fitting for a dear wonderful woman who loved the Lord, her family and whose back had not been able to stand for years.

If You Could See Me Now

Our prayers have all been answered. I finally arrived.
The healing that had been delayed has now been realized.
No one's in a hurry. There's no schedule to keep.
We're all enjoying Jesus, just sitting at His feet.

If you could see me now, I'm walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now, I'm standing strong and whole.
If you could see me now, you'd know I've seen His face.
If you could see me now, you'd know the pain is erased.
You wouldn't want me to ever leave this place,
If you could only see me now.

My light and temporary trials have worked out for my good,
To know it brought Him glory when I misunderstood.
Though we've had our sorrows, they can never compare.
What Jesus has in store for us, no language can share.
You wouldn't want me to ever leave this perfect place
If you could only see me now
If you could see me now
If you could only see me now


Song info: Kim Noblitt, (c) 1992 Integrity's Praise/BMI and Dad and Dann Music
Sung by Truth (Russ Lee, soloist) on "Something to Hold On To," 1992.

Friday, March 7

going to Kentucky



Grandma passed away. We are thankful that is in heaven and for the legacy she leaves behind. This is the picture of the first time she met our baby girl...

We are all trying to get to Kentucky. Not an easy task with the wintry weather we are having. It is not bad here, but everywhere we need a plane to fly in or out of in icy. I know God has a plan for all this, we are going to continue to pray for safety for the family as we all travel. So... I'll be done with posts until next week.

Tuesday, March 4

a time of passing...

I would ask that you lift up our family in prayer. My husband's Grandma Ruth is in a nursing home in Louisville, Kentucky and she is preparing to see her Lord and Savior soon. We were told this morning it is a matter of days before she passes. His Mom flew out there yesterday, his Dad leaves tomorrow. We are in Texas and right now Louisville feels as far away as China. When you are that far from a loved one, especially an elderly one, whom you love so... the distance seems so far.

Please pray that when the time comes we are able to get there safely and timely.

Monday, March 3

I Will Survive

This weekend my ensemble helped lead music for our church's annual Ladies retreat. We began the day on Saturday with a fun re-write of the disco hit "I Will Survive". Liz, who sings in the ensemble, was given these words from her friend Beth, who is so talented and serves at a church in Oklahoma.
Since most of the women at the retreat were Moms... we thought this was a great way to get everyone going that morning. Ok... are you humming the tune? Here is the song if you need to be reminded.
Sing it loud... sing it proud...

At first I was afraid, I was petrified.
Kept thinking how my stack of laundry could pile up so high.
I laid awake at night thinking "Lord, what have I done,"
I put Clorox in my reds and now my colors have all run!

And now my brain's in outer space.
I just walked into the kitchen and found a mess all in this place
I went over to the fridge,
and I opened up the door.
But the stench was oh so bad it nearly knocked me to the floor.

Oh what's that sound? It's beeping higher.
And smoke is filling up the room because my dinner is on fire
The smothered chicken served with rice is now turned in to chicken fry
You think I'd crumble, you think I'd lay down and die.

OH no not I
I will survive.
As long as I know how to dial the phone
The pizza will arrive
I've got to get my family fed,
So I can get them off to bed.
And, I'll survive, I will survive....hey..hey...

It took all the strength I had not to fall apart
I need some Calgon time to slow the beating of my heart
And as I walked in to the tub and caught a glimpse of my own face
I wanted to cry
There were new wrinkles 'neath my eyes

Oh heavens me, what do I see
Oh now my mother's face is starting to pop out of me.
You know I've tried the latest creams, so many products I have bought
But these changes keep on coming and I'm getting so distraught.

Oh now what's that? How can it be?
I must be a hot flash that's coming over me.
I was cold but now I'm hot,
Only hell could be this hot
It's not my time, I'm way too young
Because I'm only 41

But don't you know, I will survive
As long as I've put concealer underneath my eyes
Dark circles come what may
I can count on Mary Kay
And I'll survive, I will survive...hey....hey

We will survive, We will survive
As long as we have girdles tight around our thighs
We're not asking for a lot, Just give us tons of chocolate
And we'll survive
We will survive... HEY..... HEY....
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