For Today:

Outside My Window: I just went outside. It's been raining and it's cool. Nice day to work outside if you're so inclined...........me, nah. ;-D

I am thinking: Oh, let's see: 1) I shouldn't have stayed up until 3 am watching the Notebook cause now I'm tired 2) I shouldn't have taken such a long nap yesterday and I wouldn't have stayed up till 3 am 3) The smell of coffee hubby made helped to wake me up at 7, otherwise I'd have slept all morning and been up again tonight.

I am thankful for: Bobby being home and safe in his own bed. I'm thankful he had a good time with Katybug's Family!!!!

From the Kitchen: Hmmm, probably steak and cheese subs since Bobby's home. Not sure if he'll be home for dinner cause he works today, but I'm hoping.....

I am hoping: That I can get a lot of cleaning and rearranging done this week, as well as a lot of jeans listed.

I am reading: We finally finished Love and Respect, yay!!!! It was really good, although the reference to pink and blue for men and women got a little old sometimes. If you see us joking about those colors on Facebook, you'll know where it came from!!!!! Still reading Nightlight Devotions and through the Bible in a year.

I am creating: Order, I need order in this house!!!!

I am praying: For Order............... YIKES: and that the mailman is a little late cause I started this blog and forgot to get all my packages ready for pick-up!!!!! I'll be back shortly.....and while I was away I got a fraud alert call from the bank! Since Bobby ran out of money, he charged everything from the beach back to VA and then tried to charge when he went to Lynchburg yesterday but they SHUT HIM DOWN!! Poor Fella. It stinks to be poor!!!!!!

I am hearing: Reb's is half barking, can't seem to put forth the effort for a whole bark which is good since the kids are sleeping. Work being done on the Nursing Home.

One of my favorite things: Bobby brought Rob and I shirts back from Outer Banks and we wore them already last night. And he got me a BIG coffee mug with a lighthouse that says: Commit your ways to the Lord, and He sahll direct you path, Proverbs 3:5. Of course I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! (Thanks Katybug for helping pick it out!!)

Around the house: Bobby's comforter and blanket are laying the living room floor, waiting to be washed. Of course he wants everything washed since the boys slept in his room this weekend, and Sarah wants her stuff washed since Bobby slept in her room, lol!!! She said "Bobby slept in my bed, gross!!!" and I told her that's the same thing HE said when I told him to sleep in your bed!! They are too funny!!!! Can't find my dining room table, so gotta declutter and put away today!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work work work. Working with Sarah this week plus eBay plus housework = BUSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marriage Enrichment idea: My heart breaks for couples going through marital difficulties. Rob and I have been there. What we wished we would have learned a long time ago is that in the end, nothing else matters except putting God and each other first. First before work, first before kids, first before hobbies, etc. Make your spouse feel like they are the only thing in this world that's important to you (besides God!!), and that you are willing to do whatever it takes to make things work! For a very special person in my life: Fight for your marriage even when it seems all hope is lost. What seems totally impossible is COMPLETELY possible and easy for God!!! When you think you have nothing left, put your life totally in God's hands and pray for his divine will to be done. HE WILL MAKE A WAY!!!!!!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing: Lots of pics!!!!

Out with the old window!

In with the new!It's quite a bit smaller than the old one!
Rob's boo boo
My other two sons (for the weekend anyway) Logan and Luke
The only way we could get Rebs to be still for a picture was to get the boys
to hold treats in their hands!
True brothers! They were just playing Mom, really!!!!

Luke's bed! It's just a joke, jeez people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thankful Thursday

Good Morning!!

Today is gonna be a great day! It's a busy day for me, so this will be short.

I thank the Lord for the wonderful service we had at Church last night. God has just been speaking to us through His word and it's awesome!!!

I thank God that Sarah's Long Term Care Waiver was reinstated this week, and we don't have to appeal. God is right on time!!!

I thank God for Sarah's appointment today, and pray that they will continue home wound care for a while longer since they pay for supplies, and they are expensive!!

I thank the Lord for his many blessings, I don't deserve all the goodness He provides, but I am humbled by it.

I thank Him for the opportunity to help our Pastors family out by keeping 2 of their boys this weekend while they are away. They are such great kids and Rob loves them! I teased Bobby about renting his room out while he was at the beach, and all he said about that was "I hope they don't pee my bed", lol!!!!!! I think they are a little too old for that Bob!!!

I thank God for my husband. He's such a hard worker, and cares so much about our well-being. He's never selfish with his time or talents. I thank God for rewarding him by providing a pit pass for the upcoming Richmond race. He deserves some "all about me and racing" time, lol!!!!!!

I thank God for my kids. They make me laugh so hard I cry sometimes. They are crazy sometimes. They make me CRAZY sometimes. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world!!!!!!

I thank the Lord that Bobby is finally coming home Sunday! 9 days away from Mommy is just entirely too long, you hear me son?????? I'm thankful that he was able to spend time with his girlfriend and her family at a place he loves!

I'm thankful that I can write just a little bit each week about what God has done for my family, and pray that it touches somebody somewhere. God is so faithful, and if we will just trust in Him, he takes care of ALL of our needs!

Thank you Father for joy and peace and happiness! You make all things work for good!

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. Psalms 9:2

Have a great day!!

For Today

For Today:

Outside My Window: My shades are still pulled and the lights are off because of this headache I've had for 2 days. Maybe doing a blog today is not a good idea, but I don't want Dreama yelling at me, lol, so here it is!

I am thinking: Backache + headache + nausea = bad start to my day. It can only get better from here, right? RIGHT?????????????

I am thankful for: My hubby who worked so hard to clean out the shed Saturday and make room for my stuff. He's soooo good to me!!!! I almost have the whole shed to myself now. Time to buy curtains and lay carpet and make it a "girly" shed, haha!!!!

From the Kitchen: Well, i put some hamburger in the fridge to thaw last night but I don't know what I'll do with it. We'll see........

I am hoping: This backache goes away, but it's not bothering me as much as the headache. I know the backache is from lifting all the buckets Saturday, but not sure why I have the headache AGAIN! I just want it all to go away so little Crystal can go play!!!

I am reading: I think we will finish Love and Respect today or tomorrow, then we will finish Night Light devotions before we start on another book. Still reading through the Bible in a year and a couple of other books here and there.

I am creating: Some kind of decluttering of my "eBay warehouse"!!!!!!!!!!

I am praying: For healing for Sarah and me and Rob's knee, for God to bless all the wonderful changes at my Church, for healing for extended families problem relationships.

I am hearing: My chair squeaking, that's about it. Even the dog is quiet this morning, yay!!!!!!

One of my favorite things: The beautiful coffee mug we found at a yard sale. It is a big one with lavender flowers by Joyce Meyers. On one side it says "Relax", and on the other it says "Let God be God". And the best thing is it was only 10 cents!!!!!!!!!!!!

Around the house: It's straight thanks to my wonderful hubby who helped me put away the mountain of clean clothes Saturday and did dishes for me last night.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Take Sarah to the Dr. Thursday, other than that, nothing set in stone!

Marriage Enrichment idea: Do you ever play that game "Assassinate the Spouse"? You know, the one where you ridicule your spouse in front of their friends and family. Have you ever been in the presence of a couple playing that game? No matter which side your on, it's always uncomfortable. Even if playing "in fun", ridiculing your spouse is NOT a laughing matter. Next time you're with your spouse in public, try playing the "Praise the Spouse" Game. Bring out the good in your spouse and watch your relationship blossom into something no criticism could ever accomplish!!!!!!

If anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Phillipians 4:8

Father, help us to show each other love, honor and consideration always-but especially in front of others. Give us grace to learn and change, and bless our marriage as we learn to lift each other up with praise and prayer.

(Thanks Babe for playing the "Praise the Spouse" game with me! You always make me feel loved!!!!)


Here is the picture I am sharing:

Rob & Kaden in VBS

Today is Thankful Thursday and I have sooooo much to be thankful about today!

I have to say first thing that I have been to church for VBS 4 nights in a row (including meeting on Sunday). There was a time not soooo long ago that I could have never done that, but God has restored my health and given me energy and strength that I never thought would be possible again. I praise God for his healing power!!!!!!

And on to the little things. My washing machine is sounding like a space rocket as I sit here typing. This new machine is VERY different from my old one, makes weird little noises that makes you think it's getting ready to fly, but it's awesome!! I can wash clothes in half the time I used to because it holds so many more clothes. There were bad reviews on it online, but the problems are supposed to be fixed with this new generation. Even so, I say a little prayer for my washer often, just so God knows I love it and am VERY thankful for it, and want it to keep running like new for a looonnnnnnnng time!!!!

I'm thankful for my eBay sales of course! The postal lady doesn't even ask for my ID when I take the international packages to the PO anymore. She just says, yea, I know who you are, lol!!! Yesterday she yelled to the manager when I walked in, "She's gonna need more mail buckets", and they were waiting at the door for me when I left. It's too funny!!!

I'm thankful that God has given our Church so many great people who want to work with kids and help with VBS. I'm amazed At all that turn out each night to do whatever needs to be done! God is blessing our church and we are priviledged to be a part of His wonderful work!!!

I'm thankful that God helps me manage my time when I ask Him to. Otherwise, I would never make it this week with everything that needs to be done! Somehow He helps me get the important stuff taken care of :-D

I'm thankful that Bobby cleaned out the fridge and cabinets again. For that reason alone, he's not allowed to move out until I'm dead! Unless he'll come back home and do it for me, then I'll consider letting him leave when he's 40.

I'm thankful that Sarah is getting better. That big ole hole in her leg is getting smaller and smaller, and looks great. Thank God that she decided to listen and do what she was told this time, even though it put a MAJOR cramp in her style for a while. Little Miss Thing can be a little stubborn sometimes (most of the time!). I know you don't believe me Donnie, but she's not the angel you think she is. She'll tell you herself she has horns holding up her halo, lol!!!!!!!

I'm thankful for my hubby, who's worked 10 hours every day then came home to eat and shower and take off again for VBS. I know he's beat, but once he gets around those kids, you can't tell it! He's great!! He did have to take one day off from work to make it all week, but he worked outside all day so he still didn't get any rest! I think he has energizer bunny batteries in him!!

I'm thankful for our Pastor's wife who didn't get here until June but still planned an awesome VBS on top of moving and taking care of her 4 precious children and all the other crazy stuff she has to deal with. I can see her rolling her eyes when she reads this, but ya know Cassie, you ARE amazing!!!!!! And we do appreciate you and Bryan so much!!!

I'm thankful that this blog is almost done. Between Dreama and Bryan on Facebook, I can't stop wetting myself and my computer chair is starting to stink and I need a shower really bad!!!!!! JUST KIDDING!!! We don't need a sermon on that too, lol!!!

For now, I'll just say that God is SO GOOD! I thank Him for ALL you CRAZY people on Facebook!!

Have a great day!

Rob and Kids last night at VBS!

For Today

For Today:

Outside My Window: S U N N Y!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am thinking: Oops, I almost forgot to blog! Got so much to do today, I'm already dressed and ready to run errands!

I am thankful for: The great fun we had at the picnic at church last night, even though I'm a LITTLE sore from chasing all those golf balls!!!

From the Kitchen: Whatever I can find while I'm out today. Got VBS every night, so gonna look for 5 SUPER QUICK dinners at the grocery!!

I am hoping: I can find some kind of something to make Rob a Roman solider costume today!!

I am reading: The usual PLUS: The Remarkable Women of the Bible and Becoming a Contagious Christian. I think the later is a little over my head, although I loved the title!!!!!

I am creating: TRYING to create a Roman Soldier and maybe something Cowboyish for me. We'll see what I can find at the Goodwill today!!!

I am praying: That VBS goes great and we can make a difference in lots of kids (and their parents!!) lives. That would be awesome! I can fix this catastrophe I'm having with Auctiva (eBay) right now so I can kick them to the curb for good. Pptttttt, GOODBYE!!!! LOL

I am hearing: The Washing machine and the Dryer. My mother will be so happy when she gets here. I'm doing HER WORK, HAHA!!!!!

One of my favorite things:

This new Button I found. That's me, lol!!!!

Around the house: Dog is outside barking, laundry is a doen, Cat is walking around the living room, no doubt looking for a new pair of jeans to call her new bed. Ha, I wised up to you girl and covered em all up!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoops, I stepped on her toe while chasing Rebs back in the house and she hissed at me. Bad Kitty!

A few plans for the rest of the week: VBS every night. eBay every day. 3 day nap come Friday night!!!!!!

Marriage Enrichment idea: Ok, so I stole this from the Today Show today so you may have heard it already but it was good!!! The secret to a happy marriage is to always try to think about what your spouse needs, and provide that to the best of your ability!!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing: I have lots of pictures from VBS meeting and Church picnic but my camera is out in the Van (look for them on Facebook later, lol), so I'll just share another one of my favorite blog buttons:

Thankful Thursday

For Today:

Outside My Window: The sun has just popped through the clouds. It's gonna be a beautful day!!!

I am thinking: Well, lets see...I'm about as sick of Halloween costumes as a girl can get, haha. I'm glad I can go back to my jeans for a while!! God is awesome!! He answered a prayer in a way only He could!!!!

I am thankful for: The couple of days I got to spend with Rob at the River. None of our neighbors were there this weekend. It was kind of spooky, deserted, but it was GREAT!!!
The fact that I got all but 2 of my costumes listed to eBay. I'll wait and do those after I see if I find more at yardsales this weekend.

From the Kitchen: Hamburgers on the grill, Homemade French Fries, Macaroni Salad

I am hoping: I can get a LOT of jeans listed in the next week. Time for back to school shopping on eBay. I wanna be ready!!!!!

Sarah doesn't wake up until I can get over to the store and buy some Pepsis. Two Pepsiholics and no Diet Pepsi in the house spells MURDER......

I am reading: I finished reading Lisa Welchel's Book "Taking Care of the Me in Mommy" at the river this week. It was great. She's reminds me so much of myself! She even follows FlyLady.net and OrganizedHome.com. She has a notebook filled with lists just like me. She doesn't keep up with it half the time, JUST LIKE ME!!!! I've started another book there but can't remember the name of it. Something about being a joyful wife!!!

I am creating: A happy (but cluttered) home!!

I am praying: Ok, this is good! I have to tell you how great God is! I was fasting and praying for God to show me if this eBay business was what he wanted me to do. I LOVE doing it, but I HATE the fact that inventory takes up my whole house. Well, yesterday I went to my favorite Goodwill store as usual, but on this day, there were SO MANY awesome brands of jeans that I had never seen in the year I've been doing this! I've done lots of research on brands that sell well, and I found 4 different brands there that they have NEVER had before!!! And the Brand New jeans with tags still on them, oh, it was just like Christmas!!

I bought a ton of jeans, came home to do a little more research, then went back to the store. As I was driving back, I prayed, not really seriously, "Lord, if this is really what you want me to do, let me find a parking space in the VERY front. And guess what? Yep, there it was! I was laughing and almost crying at the same time. God answers even our smallest prayers!!!!

I am hearing: The clock chiming 8 times! Oh I've got to get busy!

One of my favorite things: Well, it would HAVE to be the beautiful flowers Rob brought me and Sarah yesterday!! He said he brought us "Make Your day Bouquets"!!!! They sure did!

Mine!!

Sarah's

Around the house: Total silence now that the clock has stopped. Oh wait, I hear a choo choo in the distant background!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Yardsales, eBay

Marriage Enrichment idea: What encouraging, uplifting words can you speak to your spouse today?
Thank you, Father, for prompting me to speak words that honor my spouse!


Here is the picture I am sharing:

He looks so peaceful doesn't he? In all reality, the bugs were biting us so bad we couldn't stay there long!!

Thankful Thursday

Wow, time has just flown by this week!! I feel like I just finished Mondays blog!! I'm thinking about combining the two blogs into 1 a week for times sake. I don't know, what do ya think?

I'm thankful for the rain that's falling outside. My plants REALLY need it! I'm not so thankful it's raining TODAY. We have a cookout and Pool Party planned!!!!

I'm thankful that when I shared my scary dream of little fires all over the house, Rob shared his CRAZY dream of Cabs & Kids & paying with play money that made me laugh!

I'm so thankful for my animals. They make me happy! I'm not so thankful that Mitzi makes a bed out of anything I sit down for eBay, causing me to use TONS of pet hair remover rollers! (Don't you know that cuts into my profits, Mitz?)

I'm thankful that Sarah's wound is healing. Slowly but surely.
I'm not so thankful that she's stolen my laptop to use in bed and I'll NEVER get it back now, lol!!!!

I'm thankful that Bobby has a job. I'm not so thankful that according to his Facebook status, he's looking for a new TOY to buy. Hey Bobby, don't you still owe me beaucoups of money?
And what's wrong with the TWO toys you already have parked out front?

I'm really thankful that I may get to go to the River this weekend. We haven't been in a while. Saturday through Monday is the plan, we'll see.

I'm thankful for the lightning God provided on the way home from Church last night. Its was just beautiful when the cloudy sky lit up!!

I'm thankful for my hubby, and the way lifts my spirits and brings me joy! And I love that he reads my blog then calls me to talk about it!!!!!!!

I have lots, lots more to be thankful for, but I've got a busy day ahead and have to get moving!

Don't forget to be Thankful for ALL the blessings in your life!!

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1-3

Thank you Lord for the many special times and wonderful memories you have given us. May we cherish these gifts.

Monday's aren't so bad!!

I changed up the Monday blog just a little. No need to write what I'm wearing (who's idea was that anyway?) cause it's always the same first thing in the morning!!

And because Rob and I have gotten soooo much out of our couples devotions I thought I'd share a little "tip" every week. I hope you enjoy the change.

For Today:

Outside My Window: The sun is barely peaking through! I tried to sleep in this morning, but have too much to do. Just couldn't let myself do it!!

I am thinking: I am so blessed

I am thankful for: Uh Oh, this is gonna be a long one, lol!!! I'm so thankful for our Sunday School Class yesterday. I wish everybody could have been in there to hear Ruby teach on marriage and family. It was everything we've been talking about at home. The devil is really trying to tear families apart, and he succeeds sooo many times. The only way to protect yourself from that evil is to stay in God's word and follow His plan for marriage. It's an awesome plan!! When the man loves his wife as he loves the Lord, and the wife respects her husband and lets him lead their family, God blesses in an awesome way!!!

I'm also thankful for our new pastor! Rob and I love the way he brings out the word! It's real and fresh and he makes it easy to understand how to apply what he preaches to our everyday lives!!

I'm thankful for the little mini dates Rob and I had Saturday!! He has told everybody about the LITTLE personal pan pizza we shared Saturday night! It WAS hilarious! We just wanted a snack, so we got one to split, and it was about 2 bites each, lol!!! At least we got the combo with 3 breadsticks, so we didn't starve :-D We also went to the Yankee Coffee shop for lunch. I love going to different places, and I hadn't been there in years. It was so cozy and nice. Wish we had something like that in the Heights!!

I'm thankful that Rob would take me yardsaling and to the thrift store, even though it's not his favorite activity. Just spending time together is important to us, and he sacrifices "real" work to help me do "ebay" work!!!!!

I'm oh so thankful to the Lord for all the eBay sales last week!!! It's the first time in a LONG time that I actually made about as much as my REAL job paid!! I love my little eBay business, and love that my hubby lets me stay home and try to make things work with it!!!

From the Kitchen: Oh, something good I hope!! I have a little recipe book of Best Ever Casseroles from the Taste of Home Cooking Show we went to, and I want to try everything in there. I plan on picking several recipes this week and trying them.

I am hoping: That some of them actually turn out and we like them, lol!!!

I am reading: Night Light Devotions for couples. Love and Respect with my hubby. Through the Bible in a year.

I am creating: A clean bedroom today I hope. That's the plan anyway!!!

I am praying: That God would continue to bless our family and our Church! That He would continue to bless Rob and give him the strength to finish our house.

I am hearing: The washing machine. Got the pillows and sheets washing already this morning. I'm on my way to that clean bedroom :-D

One of my favorite things: My kitchen canisters. Yes they are old, and they are "country" looking, and match nothing else in my house. But I just love them. They make me JOYFUL every morning when I scoop the coffee out of them!!!!!!! Around the house: The washer is going. There are yard sale items on the table, waiting to be listed. The dryer just buzzed, so I'll be back in a minute...........

A few plans for the rest of the week: Sarah and I go to the dentist today. It's time to start listing Halloween costumes on eBay, so Rob got them out of the shed, and I'll be listing them this week. A cookout and swimming with Cassie and family on Thursday, yay!!!! Not sure what else, but I'm sure there will be plenty to do!!!

Marriage Enrichment idea: Here's the biggest tip Rob and I have: Don't put your spouse down in front of other people!!!!!!!!!!! That's one of our biggest pet peeves. As our Pastor said yesterday: What comes out of your mouth reflects what's in your heart. If you are constantly complaining about your spouse, it only makes YOU look bad. Pray for your spouse instead. (Here's a thought that just came to me: Do you pray for your spouse as much as you complain about them...hmm) Ask the Lord to give you compassion for your spouse, and love them in spite of (your perception of) their shortcomings. Nobody is perfect, and God just may show you where YOU need to change make your marriage a great one!!!!!

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10

Father, enlarge our capacity to have compassion and understanding for our spouse!

Here is the picture I am sharing: Why Bobby gets thrown out of Wal-Mart, lol!!!