I have tonsils in my Spine???

For Today:

Outside My Window: The sun is just starting to come up. The birds are singing. Another wonderful day to come!!

I am thinking: So much to do. Shipping, Listing, Gardening, Cleaning. Yea, I think I'll leave that last one to Mom today. I started doing laundry at 5:00 this morning, but decided that I'd leave that for her and do what I NEED to do.....listing to eBay!

I am thankful for: The VERY little time we had at the river yesterday. Even Bobby, Slibs and Rebel came down. Rebs didn't get to go at all last year. He sure did enjoy himself!!!!

From the Kitchen: Something low carb. Yesterday was a high carb day.....those days are awesome!!! Today....not so much!! Boiled eggs and bacon for breakfast. Probably Grilled Chicken and Broccoli and Cheese for dinner. Maybe Salad?????

I am hoping: To get all my daylillies divided and replanted today. I'm hoping Mom divides hers tomorrow so I can finish planting the ones she's going to give me Wednesday and be done with it!!

I am reading: Online scriptures and devotions! Not much else. Working on that......

I am creating: Purtyful flowerbeds!

I am praying: For strength to make it through this day. The longer I'm up, the more I'm realizing that I'm really sick this morning. Not just allergies like I thought. Feeling feverish and have cold symptoms, bleck!!!!!!

I'm still praying for Sarah. This new medicine hasn't helped the headaches. She does NOT want to go through this surgery. As long as she can stand the headaches, she probably won't have it. If she starts having trouble swallowing, that's when we won't have a choice anymore :-(

We're still confused about the cause of the compression. I've always heard it was the brain stem that is being pulled into the spine that causes the problem. The doctor is talking about her tonsils being pulled into the spine. Weird......I guess that would explain the eventual problem with swallowing that occurs, but still.....WEIRD!!!!

I am hearing: The cat taking a bath right beside me. Gross.

One of my favorite things: My new Jean Warehouse of course!! AND my new Fanpage for my eBay store!! If you haven't already......look it up and join.......CJ's Family Store on Facebook!!!!


Around the house: Everybody (except Rob of course) is still sleeping, even Rebs.


A few plans for the rest of the week: Gardening today. Free eBay consultation for my "business" tomorrow, woohoo!! May have to go to the river Thursday through Sunday to work on the leaky roof.....


Mini Devotion: Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices (and instruments) and making melody with all your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19

The way you speak to yourself is as important as the way you speak to others! It's too easy to fall into the trap of negative talk....about our problems, our struggles, our disappointments, etc.

Life is not always easy. Boy, don't we all know that! God has filled us with His spirit to be able to handle the difficult times a little easier. If you're going through a hard time, think on all the blessings you have instead of the troubles. Don't forget that God has blessed us with our health, our families, our homes, our Church friends who lift us up in prayer, and all the other little things that we take for granted every day!

Choose to think on these things, and ask God for help with the rest. Choose your words wisely today.....words to yourself and to others. They have the power of life or death.


Here is the picture I am sharing:

It was so cold at the river that the kiddos slept with their heads under the covers all night. No matter how cold it is though, Bobby has to have a fan. So....with the fan and the fact that we didn't realize the ceiling vent was OPEN, it was freezing in there when they woke up!!

This "blob" is Slibs, sleeping on the pull out couch!!

I took a pic of Bobby sleeping on the kitchen floor, but it it didn't turn out!
(Yes, I said Kitchen floor! Poor fella, lol!!!)

This is where we had dinner. Had to take this picture for Sophie!
They said their Sophie is actually the owners 2 year old daughter. How sweet!!

Bye for now! Have a blessed day, and be a blessing to somebody this week. It's the little things that mean the most!!

Spring Has Sprung!

(Pretend there's a picture here, I couldn't get it to load, lol)

For Today:

Outside My Window: It is dark and WARM. Yay, that's right......it's finally warm in the morning. Praise God in Heaven, spring is coming!!!!!!!!!

I am thinking: I'm so happy and blessed! Yea, I have problems....we all have problems....but I know the problem solver, and He knows me by name!!!!!!!!!

I am thankful for: The successful yard sale this weekend! That we sold every single one of the BIG things we had, and I didn't have to lug them back into the house or to the dump. But....even after lots of people filled a bag for $1.00 (most filled 3-4 bags!) I still had a van FULL of stuff to take to Goodwill! Here's a tip, when you take stuff to Goodwill, don't tell them you have a van full of JUNK for them, they don't like that word, lol!!!!

From the Kitchen: Well, I'm not sure yet. Something homemade because we've lived off take-out this weekend! And speaking of kitchens, we had 3 coffee makers for sale at the yard sale and what happens Saturday morning? My beloved Cuisinart Coffee Maker gave up the ghost!

Sooooo, I had to steal a Coffee Pot from outside! I don't know why Mom was selling it, but it's great. The only problem is mine was sooo quiet, and this one sounds like a freight train, and only makes 10 cups instead of 12.

Well, that will help me cut down on the coffee, because once I fill Rob and Bob's travel mugs in the morning, there's only 2 (big, ha!) cups left!!!

I am hoping: To find a new clock and mirror for my living room soon. I miss them both so much already! At least my Aunt Georgia got the clock, so it's still in the family! It was beautiful, but I'm tired of Cherry!

And I always checked my hair in the mirror before I left the house, and now I keep looking into a blank wall out of habit!

I'm doing away with the cherry (except the big pieces for now) and Gold, and going for Black/Brown and Modern! I'm sick of froo froo, lol!!!!!

Yep, froo froo flowers are history :-(

Also hoping to sell the last of the stuff I have left on Craigslist and eBay. That's only some Rose teapots and cups, Bobby's Titans Bedspread, and some decorative Civil War knives I forgot to put out. Once that's gone, I'll be DONE!

I am reading: Confession: we haven't had time this week to read devotionals together except for one day, so I can't wait to get back to that! The only reading I got done was my online devotionals this week :-(

I am creating: Order and SPACE in my living room! Bobby came home last night and said "Mom, I'm so proud of you, I can see the floor again. Let's not do that anymore"! I agree Bobby, that yard sale just about pushed me over the edge to insanity!!!!!!!

I am praying: For God to meet the needs of some very special people. He's able, and He will!!!!

I am hearing: Bobby's fan running in his room. I CANNOT believe that as I'm typing this very part, the bomb went off at the Nursing Home again! I haven't heard that in a while......I just can't for the life of me figure out what it is!

One of my favorite things: Well, I sold everything in this house just about, so I would have to say my favorite thing right now are about the only knick knacks I didn't get rid of: my Cardew teapots! Even though they have Roses on them, I can't part with them! Bear with me, I don't have pictures of my teapots on my blog yet, so here they all are (just in case something should ever happen, I'll at least have my pictures!!)

Ok, so the turquoise teapot doesn't match the others, but it was my Mom's Moms,
so it has special meaning to me!!!

Around the house: I have a few things to put up in the attic, and I have to finish cleaning my bedroom, then the house will be back in order. Wow, it's been a long time since I've been able to say that!!!!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Woohoo, Sarah is well again and only has ONE Drs. appointment this week! The rest of the week I'll be playing catch up on eBay! When I was cleaning out the attic for the yard sale, I found a bucket of new summer clothes and bathing suits I've been looking everywhere for. So, I've got to get them listed!

Mini Devotional: Reach out to somebody in need today. The healing power of touch is amazing! If your spouse if having a bad day, offer a back rub! If your kids are fussy or sad, offer a lap and kiss! If you meet somebody new, offer a handshake! If you've been cross with a family member or friend, offer a hug!

The sympathetic touch and empathetic heart mirror the heart of Jesus, who always had time to give to those in need!

When the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made well. Matthew 14:35-36 NKJV

You may not be able to cure blindness or leprosy, but your touch still heals!
(From the book: Checklist for Life for Women)

Here is the picture I am sharing:

NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!

God is Good!!!!

For Today:

Outside My Window: The sun is coming up, and it fits my "sunny" disposition this morning!!!

I am thinking: About the wonderful service we had at Church yesterday. The presence of the Lord was so great, and everything that was sung, preached, and acted out touched me in a special way!! I knew God was preparing me for something, and already He has helped me to reach out and serve others in a way I didn't think I was capable of. It just proves to me that we can do ANYTHING through Christ who strengthens us. I cannot do it on my own!!!!

I am thankful for: Bobby being out of the living room!!! His room isn't finished yet. In fact, only half of his floor is down, but we moved his bed back to the finished part. Sarah can roll through the living room again!! Now, we're getting ready for a HUGE yard sale this month, so it's about to get piled back up with stuff from Mom's house that I have to price. My yard sale stuff is already piled around the Fireplace, yikes!!! There's ALWAYS some junk pile around here!!!!!!

From the Kitchen: Brunswick Stew from the Hopewell Optimist Club, yummy!!!! And cornbread (grilled cheese for the kiddos!)

I am hoping: To be a blessing to someone as God shows me how he wants me to serve others. This causes me to step WAY out of my comfort zone, but I'm realizing that the more I serve others, the more He uses me, and I want sooo bad to be a giver in God's eyes and not just a taker!!!!!

I am reading: A book on Fasting by Elmer Towns, Love is a Decision with my hubby, The Bible and a few devotionals.

I am creating: A new plan for eating and exercising. Instead of Weight Watchers, I'm counting calories this time. So far so good. It seems easier, and once I reach my limit for the day, I'm done. That part is not fun, cause I COULD reach my limit by noon on most days, but I'm learning to pace myself and stop eating when I'm stressed or upset or happy or bored or confused or thirsty or have to use the bathroom or sleepy or .......you get the picture!!!!!!!!

I am praying: For God's direction as we fast this month to draw closer to Him as individuals and as a Church body. In addition to fasting meals on certain days, I've decided to fast the things I love most for a week at a time. This week I'm fasting Diet Pepsi, and ohhhhhh how it's going to kill me (dying to self, lol), but I can do this for God. Next week I'll fast Coffee, and the following week I'll fast Facebook. I haven't decided what the fourth week will be yet, as those are the 3 things I've felt I just can't live without!! I really don't think I'll fast Goodwill since I did that for 3 weeks already, but who knows what God has in store!!!

I am hearing: The dryer running, getting the wrinkles out of Bobby's jacket that's been balled up all weekend, and now he needs it for work. Thank God for water spritzer bottles and dryers to the rescue!!!!

One of my favorite things: My new bedroom! Below I'll show you pictures of before and after. Wow, what a difference! It's so light and pretty in there now. Not dark and gloomy, lol!

Around the house: If you ignore it, will it go away? Way too much to do, and not enough time. At least the Optimist Club cooked most of my dinner today so I don't have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: I canceled Sarah's Doppler test for this morning. I didn't realize when I made it that we had Dentist appointments this afternoon, and I was afraid we wouldn't make it back in time. Now I have to reschedule that for another day this week. Joy joy joy, I just love appointments.......NOT. I don't think they're ever gonna end!!!! I still have yet to make my Drs. and hair appointments.

Marriage Enrichment: "A marriage may be made in heaven, but the maintenance must be done on earth."

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Ephesians 5:33

Here is the picture I am sharing:

My old bedspread, and I do mean old!!!!!

My beautiful new bedspread!!

New Picture and accessories.
The only thing missing is a new colored necklace for Manny, the
mannequin that wears my Mothers Wedding Dress!!!

Had to keep our baby pictures!!

Rob has a REAL quilt now, now a cheap fall-apart imposter, lol!!!

Love these, even if they are purple. Oops, didn't notice THAT at the store, lol!!

Another great find from Tuesday Morning!!

Have a great week everybody!
Do something nice for someone this week.
Be a blessing and you will be blessed!!!

Thankful Thursday.....I mean Tuesday!!

For Today:

Outside My Window: It's dark at 5:45 in the morning! The beginning of another wonderful day, no matter what the weather or circumstances, because God has blessed me and I will honor Him and give Him praise!!!!

I am thinking: I have another busy busy day ahead. Being taxi for Sarah Boo, Post Office, Shopping, Cooking, Cleaning, Rearranging........the list goes on! I'm also thinking about the wonderful time we had at the river Sunday. We spent most of the time in the truck riding around, but we did check out our camper (which has sprung another leak, ugh!!), walked around the campground, and rode to Gloucester to shop a little. Can't wait till April. This year will be like last since we're still working on the house, we won't get to go as much, but any little time away is great!!!

I am thankful for: My family. Our health. We've had more than our share of medical problems this year, but I look around and see people suffering everywhere. Our problems were so small compared to some. God spared us heartache, but others have to face that and it tears me up. I'm so thankful that our problems have resolved, and pray for those facing the unthinkable. We may not know why the ones we love have to suffer, but God has a plan.....and even if it's not our plan....it is a perfect plan.

I'm also thankful for my husband. I know I say it all the time, but do you really know how special it is to be in (almost) perfect harmony with your spouse?????? I say almost because nobody is perfect except God!!! It's amazing how God can create something so wonderful when you ask Him to be Lord over your marriage, family, home, and life....and then really LET HIM BE! It's awesome to have as much fun with your spouse after 29 years as you did when you first met!!!!!

From the Kitchen: Something quick cause we have to eat and run. Sorry honey, but I'm thinkin Spam (lite of course), Green Beans, Mac & Cheese!!!!

I am hoping: To get my hair done soon. It's hideous! I haven't been to see Lorie in over 6 months. One day I'll get there....I hope.

I am reading: Same book with hubby, Love is a Decision. Devotions on line. Bible.

I am creating: Finally something fun!!!! I went yesterday and bought a whole new bedroom set. Mine is about 10-15 years old and I still love it, I'm just ready for a change. I haven't shopped as much as I did yesterday in years! I left at 10:00 yesterday morning and got home at 9:00 last night, except for a pit stop between 4:30-6:00 to fix BLT's and pick up hubby!! Well, I figured I might as well do it up right, so I got the comforter set, 2 sets of sheets, 2 new blankets, a new quilt, a curtain, a picture, Candle sconces, and new matching trinkets to set around! It was sooooo fun.

Rob's taking me to Tuesday Morning after work because I saw another picture in the window that would match perfectly I think, but I got there too late and they were closed. I figure I better get everything I want all at once, cause I might have this one 15 years too!!!! I really don't like change, can you tell???? (But this was so fun I just might have to rethink that, lol!!!)

I am praying: For a special request. Won't you help me pray too? Bobby's former girlfriend Slibs (Sylvia King) needs our prayers for her and her dad. He was just diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to his liver. Slibs will graduate this year, and it breaks my heart that she has to go through something so horrible when it should be a very happy time for her. Please pray for her dad, his name is Tony. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!

I am hearing: The heat pump outside my bedroom window. I'm on the laptop this morning because Bobby's asleep in the living room.

One of my favorite things: My new bedroom of course, it's beauteeeeeful!! And also the wooden tea holder I got from Starbucks last night for 90% off. I'm not a big tea drinker and it was filled with different tea bags, but I can't wait to empty it out and use the wooden holder with 3 little compartments for something, it's just too cute!!! And because I had a Starbucks coupon, my $20 wooden box was only $1.53!!!! Now that's a deal I can live with :-D

Around the house: Oh what a mess. Yesterday I wanted to clean. It wasn't my intention to shop all day because I had actually bought another bedspread when we went to the river Sunday, and I was only going out looking for a curtain to match it. But thanks to Jaclyn Smith and K-Mart, I found this gorgeous set that I loved! Soooooo, I didn't get any cleaning done. Mom usually does some laundry for me on Mondays, but the first load went off balance and she couldn't fix it, so that didn't get done. Today I need to get all that done plus work on eBay. I need my Superwoman costume today!!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tomorrow Sarah has a Drs. Appointment at Stony Point.

Here is the picture I am sharing: My scripture of the day!



Sometimes we have to wait under a cloud of trial, but wait faithfully! That cloud will eventually break in showers of blessing!!! Praise the Lord!!!!!!

For Today

For Today:

Outside My Window: It's cooold and snowy. I need to go to the shed to get some items to ship, but I don't want to freeze!

I am thinking: My hubby made me sooo happy this morning. When I woke up and went into the kitchen, I found this by the coffee pot:

Two valentine coffee mugs, an "I Love You" chocolate chip cookie, and a picture he had made of us "back in the day". He is the most awesome loving man in the world, and I'm soooo glad he's MINE!!!!!! Supposedly there's more to come.....oh la la!!!

I am thankful for: My sweet hubby, and my wonderful kids! All the blessings in my little world, and a God who loves me so much He cares for my every need!!!!

From the Kitchen: Ah, the kitchen.....such a happy place this morning. Not much going on in there now though, gonna eat some high fiber cereal and start this diet thing one more time, but we're having tacos for dinner, eek!!!!

I am hoping: I can actually stick to this diet and exercise thing now. I'm too miserable NOT to. And the River calls in 2 months, yay!!!!!

I am reading: The Bible, Devotionals, and "Love is a Decision" with my hubby.

I am creating: Ads for Craigslist to sell off some of my decorative things around the house. I'm ready to say "out with the old, in with the new", and since I have to do it a little at a time, I'll start by selling what I have to buy what I want, lol!!!!

I am praying: That I can stay away from Goodwill for another week. Hey, I did good last week. Yea, it was because it snowed and I couldn't get out. No, it wasn't really but it did help. I could have made it over there, hubby even offered to take me if I REALLY wanted to go, but I was a good girl!! He did take me to Peebles though to buy their jeans on 5.99 clearance, but that doesn't count, you have to get those when they have the big sale, whenever that may be!!!!!!!

I am hearing: Rebels snoring.

One of my favorite things: My new Valentine's coffee mugs of course. Rob and I are always looking for great mugs when we go out, even at yard sales, and he found the perfect ones for us!!!!!!

Around the house: Mitzi is being very vocal about something, which is unusual. Rebs is sleeping beside me on Bobby's bed. Sarah is sleeping, I think. The boys are gone to work. It's very very quiet!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Errands today, and have somebody coming by to pick up some jeans they bought. Sarah has an appointment on Thursday but it's not by a Goodwill Store that I know of, so not too excited about that!!

Marriage Enrichment idea: Okay, this isn't an idea, but a great devotional that was on the CBN website this morning called Perfect Love! Check it out!!! My favorite part: Happily ever after doesn’t always come with ball gowns and white horses. Most of the time, it comes with sweat pants and minivans . . . but that’s ok, because if it comes from God, it’s perfect and nothing less. Amen!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing:

Hubby working hard on Bobby's floor!

A Blessed Christmas!!

For Today:

Outside My Window: It's right before 6 am. Dark and frosty, and all seems right with the world.

I am thinking: I am so blessed. Even though this Christmas was different in almost every way, it was a WONDERFUL Christmas! I got to spend time with my family that I don't normally get to because I'm spread so thin trying to get everything done. Rob was wonderful, even on Christmas morning when I cooked breakfast for my parents and us, he came right in and did the dishes as I cooked to help me out. He kept the laundry going too till the dryer pooped out Christmas night. I LOVE that man, have I told you that before?

I am thankful for: The way things worked out this year. I was so afraid that we would be lost without all the parties we usually host, that we would be sitting around bored to death, but that didn't happen! Christmas Eve we had plenty of time to spend with my parents and brother and his family. Usually we have to hurry to work that part of our Christmas in in between other things. It was so nice just to relax and spend time with them. After we left there, we drove around looking at all the Christmas lights. The neatest thing we saw was thousands of real luminaries through the whole Conjurer's Neck sub-division. It was absolutely beautiful. Every single house except one was lit up. I've never seen anything like it before (in person)!!

I'm also so very thankful that Sarah's wound has almost completely closed. The wound is so tiny you can't even see an opening, but it still has a tiny bit of drainage, so it's not closed 100%, but it will be by the end of this week. PRAISE GOD!!! It's been about 8 months since we started fighting this battle, and we are soooo thankful that it is almost over!!!

From the Kitchen: Well, I don't know yet. Something to eat I'm sure, lol!!!

I am hoping: To finish working on cleaning the house after I run some errands today. I got all of the Christmas boxes, wrap and gift bags, that sort of thing, put away already. I've already started weeding out junk and filling up bags for a spring yard sale. The first of the year always makes me want to clean out and start fresh, and I'm just getting a little head start this week!

I am reading: I'm sooo excited. Just a few more days and I will have read through the whole Bible in one year. I'm so proud of myself for finally following through after years of starting and never finishing!!! We also finished Night Line Devotionals for Couples. Now we are reading Love is a Decision, an older book by Gary Smalley. So far the first chapter was awesome, so I can't wait to finish this one as well.

I am creating: A plan for the New Year! I don't know about you, but the new year always brings excitement as I reflect over the past and determine what needs to be done the coming year. I did a blog at the beginning of the year stating the goals I wanted to accomplish, and I will soon do one to see how that all worked out, lol!!!

I am praying: For God's direction for our lives the coming New Year. That we put God first in every decision and area of our lives, because He is our counselor, our saviour, our confidant, our healer, our everything, and He deserves our total commitment, worship and praise!!!!

I am hearing: Just the dog. He's giving us a fit with his allergies and the constant licking of his paws is causing us to go maddddddd!!!! Ugh, now the cat has joined in and it's really gross in here!!!!

One of my favorite things: My new silver diamond heart necklace, a gift from hubby!! I have a thing for hearts, ever since he gave me my first sweetheart ring (that I still wear!!) 32 years ago!!!!

Around the house: Yesterday I worked on Sarah's room most of the day. Katybug got a new bedroom set for Christmas, so she gave Bobby her old dresser. Bobby gave Sarah his two small dressers, and I rearranged her room. Together we went through almost every nook and cranny in her room and cleaned, tossed, moved and basically totally redid her "space"! She loves all the new counter space she has now, and she was able to move some of the stuff in her drawers that would fall out when you opened them cause they were so crammed into new spacious drawers! Thanks Katybug and Bobby :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week: Since none of our Christmas was normal this year, why should our New Years be normal? We've always had the big New Years Party with our parents, my sister in law and brothers in law, and Sarah's friend Shana. This year, since Johnny isn't able to be here, we've decided to skip the party. Since Bobby is off, we are going out to eat as a family and just spend time together. It sounds great to me, as we hardly ever can get the 4 of us together at once anymore!!

Devotional: "Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race." Philippians 3:13-14

Coming up on the New Year, many of us will make resolutions for the umpteenth time, only to forget about them a couple of weeks later. Then we'll beat ourselves up about not being able to stick to them.

God doesn't expect us to be perfect, and we shouldn't either. Everybody fails at one time or another. The secret is to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, ask forgiveness, and forgive YOURSELF!!

When we mess up, God wants us to confess our sin, accept His forgiveness, then MOVE ON! Don't wallow in the past, determine to press on and try again with His help!!!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing:

Christmas Eve Dinner in our jammies!
Bobby couldn't go because he had to work. I made it almost to Mom and Dad's before breaking down and crying cause my little boy wasn't with us! I don't like the fact that my kids have to grow up!

There's my wittle boy! He was off Christmas Day, thank God!!!

For Today

For Today:

Outside My Window: Cold and foggy!! Looks like one of those old mystery movies!!!

I am thinking: Can't believe we missed our Church's Christmas Play. It's the first one we've missed and Rob hasn't been in in years. Seems strange, but Sarah just wasn't up to it. She did make it to her Church Play, but was in a lot of pain by the time she got home, and wasn't ready to go through that again just yet. But next week, we'll get to go to MY Church first, lol!!!

I am thankful for: My hubby! Thanks for helping me with all the laundry yesterday! Sorry I tried to take a spin on the crazy cycle. It just seems like we have a dirty laundry making machine somewhere in this house, and if I could find it, I'd break it!!!!!!!!!

I'm also thankful for all the eBay sales this week, in spite of the fact that I haven't had time to work on it at all. I sold 12 pairs of jeans this weekend. That made up for some of the stuff that went for 99 cents on my auctions last week!!! Thank you Lord for your blessings!!

From the Kitchen: Homemade Chili and Cornbread.

I am hoping: To get my errands done early so I can come home and finish the Christmas wrapping today.

I am reading: Yay, I've made it to Revelations in "Through the Bible in a Year"!! I can't believe I am actually gonna finish this time. It's awesome! We're almost done with Nightline Devotions for couples. Looking forward to starting a new Devotional with Rob, and a more in-depth study of the Bible next year!!!!

I am creating: Ummm, everything and nothing. Just trying to maintain order in this house until Christmas.

I am praying: That Sarah gets a good report at the Plastic Surgeon next week. If he goes by how her wound looks, she won't need another surgery. The wound is almost closed now. I can't believe how fast it has healed. With the infection, it would get a little better than get much worse. Now it is just getting smaller and smaller every day. When she first came home, we had to use a ton of packing in the wound. Now I can barely get any in there. It's awesome!!!

I am hearing: This time it's the cat licking herself. That's all, total silence. How nice!

One of my favorite things: Watching all the Christmas movies on TV with my hubby. We've never had time to do that before. We've missed a lot of our regular activities this Christmas season, but we've made some new awesome memories together that we've never been able to do before. We have enjoyed spending time together just watching those movies (and doing laundry during the commercials, lol)!!!

Around the house: Bobby's alarm is going off now at 6:30. Why in the world? He's off today. Uh oh, he's also sick. Things don't sound so good coming from his room. My poor baby boy....

A few plans for the rest of the week: Just working around the house and running errands. No appointments this week, but we have a crazy week next week. 3 Drs. appointments in Richmond right before Christmas! Gotta get everything done this week!!

Here is the picture I am sharing: Sarah, all dressed up and looking beautiful for her trip to Church Saturday night.

Yep, she was a little loopy from the meds. I can see it in her eyes, lol!!

My Christmas Present from Bobby:

In my dreams......maybe he'll at least take me for a ride??

For Today

I'm a little sad today. Rob and Bobby went to close up the camper yesterday and bring everything home for winter. I didn't get to go. If I had, I would have NEVER let them throw all the refrigerator and freezer food away. HOW COULD THEY, lol!!! Cooler or not, I'da brought that stuff home and used it somehow!!!! Rob sent pictures of my porch covered in leaves and the beautiful sunset from the trash dumpsters (honestly!!) from his phone, but I miss my place soooo bad. I'm sad that's it's over for now, but relieved that we finally got it done. Can't wait till Spring.....


For Today:

Outside My Window: My hubby just walked out to go to work. This weekend was toooooo short!!!

I am thinking: It's so good to be up at 5:15 again. I've missed our morning talks and prayer time before Rob leaves for work, but I've just been too tired to get up that early since Sarah got home.

I am thankful for: The nap I got yesterday. It was so nice not to fall into bed exhausted last night, lol!!!

From the Kitchen: Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts that I've been trying to cook since Saturday! Baby White Corn, Spinach Salad and Crescent Rolls.

I am hoping: That Sarah's temp will stay down. That her drainage will continue to decrease like yesterday, hardly any. That I can finish cleaning out the clutter around my fireplace so I can get my Christmas Tree up soon. Uuhhh, let me explain....I usually put my tree up in front of the living room window, but since we are remodeling, and that area still needs work (not to mention that all my eBay buckets are there for now!), I'm borrowing my Mommy's skinny Christmas tree this year and putting it on the fireplace mantel. Lots of things are different this year. We'll see how it turns out. Smaller Christmas tree, not having the 2 parties I always have on Christmas Eve because of our circumstances, not doing all the cooking I usually do (I'll try not anyway!) This is going to be a unique Christmas, but I hope it's only for this year, and things will be back to normal next year!! In the meantime, I hope I will enjoy not being so stressed out for a change!

I am reading: Not much of anything recently, but can't wait to start devotions back with Rob! And catch up on my Through the Bible in a year. I've come too far to get behind now, I can see the end in sight.......

I am creating: A high protein diet for Sarah, and a low fat diet for me. This should be interesting.....

I am praying: For healing for my baby girl of course! For me to be able to get everything done that needs to be done without burning out. For the same thing for Rob. For Bobby to find a job with insurance still!!!!!!!!

I am hearing: The traffic from I-95. Usually I don't notice it, but it's pretty loud this morning. As I typed this, the bomb went off at the Nursing Home!!!!!!!

One of my favorite things: Well, it certainly wouldn't be the PIG mug I have to drink my coffee out of this morning. All of my coffee cups are in the dishwasher, so I had to use the only other mug in the cabinet, Sarah's Pig Cup! I told Rob last night that I was starting my diet (again) today because I'm so miserable, but I'm not off to a great start when even the coffee cups remind me of how I feel, lol!!!!!!!!

Around the house: Oops, just noticed it's 6 am. Gotta hook Sarah up to her drug fix. Be right back....Man, I just don't understand why she is sweating so much. Is it the fevers breaking, is it the IV's? We have to change her pillows, blankets and clothes 2-3 times a day. I just went in and she felt like she'd just got out of a swimming pool with her clothes on!! She hates it :-( Usually she wants to sleep, but she can't wait for Nanny to get here this morning and help with her bath!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: More Christmas shopping, Thanksgiving Food Shopping, House cleaning, Changing out the summer clothes for winter ones, Digging through Christmas decorations.....the list goes on and on!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing: Haven't taken any lately, so I'll share some of my favorite fall pics!


What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deut. 10:12

Happy Birthday Robin!!!!

For Today:

Outside My Window: There's a lot of hurting people who need prayer. Lord, help me not to take the power of a simple prayer for granted. You can move mountains if we just call on you!!!

I am thinking: I am so thankful to be feeling better. I'm pretty sure now I had a touch of the flu along with the UTI, because Sarah has it now. I knew I'd never felt THAT bad with just a UTI!!
I had planned on taking myself to the Doctor finally this morning, but I guess I'll be taking Sarah instead. Her fever broke last night, but she woke me up at 4:30 because she was so nauseous. We'll see how she feels this morning.

I am thankful for: A wonderful family, a great home, an awesome Church family, a great "JOB" that keeps getting better, and a Saviour who knows exactly what I need, and provides without fail. (Yes, this is Thankful Thursday in disguise, lol)

From the Kitchen: Hmmmm, it's a little too early for that, but it will probably be chicken or pork chops cooked some kind of way with some kind of side. How's that for a menu?

I am hoping: To start my Christmas shopping this week. Goodness, in years past, I'd be almost done by now. I haven't bought the first thing yet this year, YIKES!!!!! (Oh, I take that back, I forgot that I did order Sarah something last week, but I don't actually have it yet, so it doesn't count!!!!)

I am reading: Through the Bible in a year, Nightlight Devotions for Couples, Becoming the Woman of His Dreams (not that I'm not already), right babe? RIGHT BABE, lol??????

I am creating: No need to create another eBay strategy, yayyayayayYAY!!!!!! I finally got it right! PRAISE THE LORD!! So, maybe I'll create a strategy for keeping my house clean. Yea, that's it, like the ones I've created many times before. Maybe I'll just get out that little list I have of chore schedules and actually follow it for a while. I might can find the time now that I don't have to work SOOO hard at eBay!!

I am praying: For lots of things and lots of people! Prayer works. Prayer either changes your circumstances, or it changes you. Prayer heals broken bodies and broken spirits. Prayer turns your frown upside down :-) Prayer is the lifeline between you and God, and without it, where is your hope? God has healed and blessed and changed me too many times for me NOT to believe in the power of prayer, AMEN!!!!

I am hearing: That cooky cookoo clock dinging out on the 6:45 mark. Other than that, it's soooo quiet in here. Haven't even heard the bomb at the Nursing Home yet, and no animals are cleaning themselves around me this morning. Ah, what did I do to deserve this nice break?

One of my favorite things: The chopper I got at the yard sale Saturday. Yes, even with a fever and feeling like poo on a stick, I made myself go to yard sales in the freezing cold! Hey, it's my JOB, and I can't miss my job!!!! I bought my 4th chopper!!! I'm telling ya, they are GREAT. My first came from my mother in law, then I found another at a yard sale for the River, then my first one broke, so I bought another, and now I have one as a back-up for when another breaks!! I use it so often that I did wear one out, so I'll buy them whenever I see them from now on, cause $2 is so much better than $20, don't cha think????

Around the house: Bobby just got up and is sitting in the recliner waiting on Katybug to come by before school. He looks so cute in his little hoodie, all wrapped up and sleepy eyed!!! He's gonna kill me when he reads this though.

A few plans for the rest of the week: No plans!!!! Ain't life grand? Maybe to the Dr. today, but the rest of the week I hope to just work and clean and cook and be Wife and Mommy!!!!!

Marriage Enrichment idea:

Words that build up your Spouse: I've been thinking about you all day; What can I do for you today?; Thank you; You are one of God's most precious gifts to me; Thank you for taking such good care of me; The best part of my day is when you come home; I'm sorry; You're my knight in shining armor; You're my princess; I can always count on you; You make me feel special.

Rob and I work hard to be builders! Hey, he's Rob the Builder! Ok, sorry for the corny joke, couldn't resist! Anyhoo, the rewards of building your spouse up are so sweet! Let's all be builders, our spouses deserve no less :-)

Here is the picture I am sharing: It's Robin!!! Today is my beautiful Sister In Law's Birthday! Happy Birthday Robin!!!! Hope you have a GREAT day and God blesses you with many many more, as we sang yesterday, lol!!!!

Yep, It's Monday again!

For Today:

Outside My Window: The clouds are shining and it looks cold. It's 11:30, thought it would be brighter and warmer by now??!!

I am thinking: I'm not really happy about this UTI I've got going on this morning. My mom is off this week, and I had plans to get sooo much done in addition to doing her job, but so far that ain't happened!!! Just hoping I can stay up long enough to get Bobby's clothes washed and do what I'm supposed to be doing for Sarah, but she doesn't feel good either, so neither one of us is moving this morning.......

I am thankful for: The extra medicine I have hanging around, so I don't have to make a trip to the Doctor today!! I'm also thankful for the wonderful time we had yesterday. We went to Gloucester Point Beach and walked around. From there you could see Yorktown on the other side of the York River, and the neat sailboat "The Schooner Alliance". We decided to cross the bridge and see what was going on there. It was beautiful. People were sunbathing! CRAZY!!! We decided they must be from up North, and this was WARM to them! We walked around and ate at the Beach "Delly". It was great, had a great view of the River from our table! Then we went home, worked a little (VERY little), ate dinner with Mom and Dad, then went by the little beach by our campground to take pictures of the Sunset. It was a perfect day!! (Pictures below, of course!!)

From the Kitchen: Ugh, the thought of food right now makes me queasy.

I am hoping: That Bobby doesn't come home with the motorcycle, dirt bike, whatever it is that he is supposed to be buying after work today!! That we start feeling better around here! That my hubby doesn't get too bogged down with all the extra work he has this week!

I am reading: The same, but bought 2 new books at yard sales Saturday. One is "Becoming the Woman of His Dreams", hmmmm!! Might read that on my sickbed today!!!!!!!!

I am creating: Chaos. Usually trying to control chaos, but it has taken over today. And will be that way all week probably, until Mommy comes back!

I am praying: For healing for us girls. For comfort for Dreama and her family in the loss of Gus, her brother. For Dreama to get her car fixed after hitting the deer (ahummm, the SECOND deer she's hit, but this one she confessed to right away, lol!!!). She's been the family taxi for a while now, and I hate that her car got messed up!!

Ok, ok... I gotta tell ya the Dreama hit the deer story: When we were teenagers, I let her drive my Mom's car on Reformatory Road without a license and she HIT A DEER! Can you believe that??? She would do that to me???? So we traded places real quick and I drove home, and for years, everybody thought I hit the deer. We didn't come clean till years after we were married!!!! Lord, forgive us, but we thought we would go to jail or worse, get killed by my Dad, if we told the truth :-D

I am hearing: The washing machine running. That's all. Bobby just left for work, Sarah just called me in to tell me she doesn't feel like getting up (which means I won't be working with her today).

One of my favorite things: The three hoodie sweatshirts I got at yard sales this weekend. I love the girly girl colors (light pink, neon pink, and lime green), 2 of them say Washington DC, and one says VA Beach. They all look brand new, and they're perfect for the river, where it gets COLD!! Oh yea, and the beautiful crystal vase we bought at the yard sale that has hearts on it. Can't wait to see what flowers look like in it honey, lol!!!! (Not a hint, I still have the last flowers you brought!!)

Around the house: Let's not go there!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Working for my Momma this week, taking Sarah to Wal-Mart tomorrow, maybe to get her hair done Thursday, eBay and housework, and back to the River Friday or Saturday.

Marriage Enrichment idea: We read this in our devotional last night, and I think I've mentioned it before, but it's worth a second thought: Don't let your spouse have to say: "I wish you were as nice to me as you are to the strangers you talk to everyday". Why is it that we feel we can treat our family members with less respect than we do a stranger? Who is more important? Who is going to be there for you no matter what? It won't be a stranger. Treat your family with the same kindness you would bestow on your most honored guest! They deserve it, and they're worth it!!!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing: Pics from this weekend!!


Things that make you go hmmmmm! This is a handicapped parking sign at Sarah's school. I never noticed it till she pointed it out. Am I really supposed to jump the curb and park in the grass? Just asking?