Pray for our Children!

For Today:

Outside My Window: The wind is blowing and it's sooo nice out at 5:00 this morning!!! I'm not going to complain about the coming drop in temps. I've been ready for spring.....not summer!!!!!

I am thinking: I have sooo much to do, but want to start this day with Praise to my Lord and Savior with my blog! The rest will work it's way out through the day.....don't stress :-)

I am thankful for: The fact that my kids seem to be able to know and do what is right MOST of the time. We know several families struggling with the bad choices their young adult children have made. Thank God that even though Bobby isn't in Church right now (but he will be, I have faith!!), he has learned the lessons his dad has tried to teach him about right and wrong, and tries really hard to do the right things. I'm so thankful he doesn't have to struggle with the addictions that seem sooo normal for kids these days.



The 7 sales I had on eBay yesterday. And the 2 sales already this morning! God has really blessed us! I just knew these changes were going to be so bad, but they've actually been sooo good! I don't know about profits, I guess I'll see when my next invoice comes due, how much the increase is affecting me! I really needed a jump in sales just to cover the $43.00 a month increase in fees! Selling an extra 4-5 pairs of jeans a month would cover it, and so far it's working, yay!!!!!



From the Kitchen: Well, not sure. I'll have to rummage through the freezer and see what's calling my name. Maybe the Mexican Chicken Enchilada Dinner I bought the other day. Looked good to us, but we've never tried it before. I doubt I'll have time for a cooking marathon, so frozen will have to do.

I am hoping: To start a new ministry with Rob at Church. We've been asked to work with Angel Food Ministries to provide affordable discounted food to our community and Church Family. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this ministry, and can't wait to start!

I am reading: Still reading scripture and devotions online, and trying to keep up with our nightly couples devotions, but it's sooo hard lately.

I am creating: Space for the 71 pairs of jeans I bought yesterday! 71 pairs for $200.00. THAT was awesome!!!

I am praying: For several families. My cousin Jack's daughter Kim and her husband Clayton lost her twin babies Easter Sunday. I can't imagine the pain and heartbreak. God gained two beautiful little angels, and they'll watch over you until you meet them in heaven. What do you say at a time like this? There's nothing to take the pain away. Kim has always loved kids so much, and I know more than anything she longs to be a mommy. God will honor that wish Kim. We don't know or understand His plans, but we know they are perfect, and so is His timing. God will bless you with more children, and you will be a GREAT mom! Of that, I have no doubt!!!


Also, three families are having issues with their young adult sons. They've made choices that have lead to addictions, legal troubles, and unbelivable pain and hardship for their families. God can turn these situations around, and I pray He will. It makes me so sad to think about how the devil is out to devour our children. If ever they needed prayer, they need it today. Don't forget to lift your kids up in prayer EVERY day! Satan is just waiting to snatch them up and if we're not praying for them, who will?????


I'm also praying for my hubby. His load is never lifted. He has sooo much to do inside and outside of the house, and so little time. Every time he gets one thing done, two things fall apart. He needs a husband, lol!! A FREE handyman househusband!! That would be so cool. Thank you baby for working so hard, with no time just to enjoy yourself. Your sacrifices are noticed and appreciated more than you could know!!!!!

I am hearing: Rebs is laying in the hallway dreamimg, and making little doggie squeeky noises while "running" in place. Too cute!!!! And the birds are singing their hearts out this morning. It sounds so "Springy"!!!

One of my favorite things: Ya'll.....did you know there is a Thrift Store Paradise out there??? On Midlothian Turnpike (Richmond exit), there are 3....yes 3....thrift stores within a minute of each other. And another not far away! Oh my goodness......I was in heaven! Well, until that man came in dressed in his best hooker outfit. Even women hoochies don't dress THAT bad, but that's a story for another day. Anyway, I found the Goodwill outlet!!! Why hasn't anybody told me about this place before??????? I knew it existed, but I didn't know where. They had huge bins full of clothes, and you paid for them by the pound. It was awesome! I got two GINORMOUS bags full of jeans for $40.00! I should have taken a picture for the blog but dude......I was preoccupied!!!!!!!

Around the house: Jeans.....lots of jeans.

A few plans for the rest of the week: No doctors appointments this week!!! Joyyyyyyy :-)
Today I have to plant a couple of veggies in pots, I have lots more, but Rob has to dig up my garden plot this weekend. We were planning on going to the river, then we decided not to, then we weren't sure. I think it still stands at "not sure"! There's so much to do around the house. But.......


Devotional: Worship God from a heart of gratitude for who He is, and let Him speak to you today. True worship creates an atmosphere where He CAN speak to us, and He wants our expressions of praise and love for Him to be as natural and spontaneous as breathing.

O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker (in reverent praise and supplication). Psalm 95:6



Here is the picture I am sharing:

We thought for a second about going for the Gangsta...oops, I mean dignified look for Easter:

Sooo cute!

My man makes a mean ice cream and strawberry dessert! It was yummy!!

I know ya'll are just DYING to see my new warehouse/office makeover, lol!!!

BEFORE:



AFTER:

Can you tell a difference? Yes you can!!!! Well....I can!!!!


This is all Rob has left of HIS shed,
Have a blessed day everyone,
and BE a blessing to somebody somewhere along the way!!

And Then She Cracked!

Ahhhhh, today is Thankful Thursday. I didn't want to do the usual "fill in the blank" For Today blog that I've been using. Since it's almost Easter, and I've been thinking about how much I have to be thankful for, I thought I'd do a real blog for a change!

I don't know about you, but for me, Easter represents a time of renewal. All that's dreary becomes fresh and alive again. It's Spring...time for the flowers to bloom, time for the weather to change, time for more sun and less darkness. Time (almost) to plant our veggies and watch the glorious fruits of our labor ripen to perfection!!!! I LOVE this time of year.

Best of all, it's time to remember that special day that Jesus rose again......a day that changed our future forever, Praise His Name!! I'm so glad Jesus loved us enough to die for our sins and give us the promise of everlasting life with God in heaven. That is the hope we have.....the promise we live for.....the reason we serve Him....He is (or should be) our everything!!!

Today I am soo thankful for MEDICINES!!!! Sarah has gotten some relief from her headaches with a new med. It's still not a cure all, last night she was in a lot of pain again, but it does help. She just can't seem to catch a break lately. But she is one tough girl, and keeps plugging on....

I keep thinking about what happened in our marriage class Sunday. Catherine was teaching, and she was talking about how hard it was when Mark broke his wrist, and the hospital stay, and trying to take care of everything and being so incredibly tired all the time. And through her tears as she talked about it, she said she thought about me, and how I go through that all the time. Then Donna started talking about how nobody knows what it's really like until you've been there, taking care of a handicapped child. Well.......so of course I cracked like a raw egg, crying a river, grateful that somebody does understand how hard it can be!

But as hard as it can be on me, that's nothing compared to what Sarah goes through. I just want to take all the pain away, I want to give her my legs so she can run around and do normal things with her friends like shop and go out to eat. All the things we take for granted. I know how hard those things are for her to deal with. Yet, she doesn't complain (much). She's such an inspiration to me!!

I don't know why I went there. I just needed to say it I guess. But as hard as we have it sometimes, thank God this year has been the exception. Things aren't usually this bad, and there have been plenty of years without hospital stays and surgeries and complications. We're all looking forward to getting back to that place!

I'm so thankful for my Bobby too. My short little man is such an awesome son!! He pretty much has taken over the yard work from his daddy already (without asking, woo hoo!), and provides me with comic relief, although his humor is quite dry. He just cracks me up!! I'm so thankful he got his old job back. God has been good to him!!

And then there's my hubby. What an awesome man God has blessed me with! I'm forever thankful that God put us together! Who knew all those years ago that just one street over lived the man of my dreams? Pretty incredible I would say!!

Beautiful Flowers from Rob this week!

I'm thankful that the eBay changes haven't affected me in the negative way I thought it might. I was afraid nobody would find my stuff once the changes came. But....with 6 sales yesterday.....that didn't seem to happen. I'm sooo tired of eBay though. I want time to work in my flower beds, deep clean my house, cook like I want to, work on projects that get pushed to the side, etc. There's just not enough time in the day.

Hopefully the Drs. appointments will die down now and I can spend more time at home. Except Bobby has me running to the Auto Parts store today. I guess it will always be something, lol!!

My cat should be thankful I can't reach her right this minute. She's sitting on the dining room table like it's her throne or something. If I was closer........grrrr! She found a stack of newspapers. I don't know why she likes them, anything small and stacked.....she claims it as her own!

I'm thankful for the visit with my brother and his family. I LOVE them, and don't get to see them enough! Everybody is growing up wayyy too fast! And Rob is going to be 40 this month. 40-40-40-40-40-40!!!!!! OMG, he is sooo old. He's always been my little brother. Now he's my OLD little brother. How does this happen??????

By the way, these are the reasons I can't find a new Easter Outfit. Not gonna buy one in an expanded size, lol!!!!

I'm thinkin it was soooooo worth it!

I guess I'll go for now. I have a list a mile long of stuff that needs to be done today. If I can stay off of Facebook and get a tiny portion of them done, I'll be happy!!


I wish everyone a very Happy Easter! Enjoy time with your family, and don't forget to thank God for the priceless gift he gave us in His Son, Jesus Christ!!


He is not here, for He has risen......Matthew 28:6

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!!!!!!

Thankful Thursday

Good Morning! God is sooo good, and I'm feeling extra blessed this morning! A little unsettled in my spirit, but I'll get to that in a minute. I just want to thank God for all He has blessed me with, all He has provided, all He has done in my life. I'm just a happy girl, and it's because of God's love for me and His blessings!!!! Oh yea, and a husband who is the bomb and makes me feel special even on my worst days helps a bit too :-D

Now, on to that "unsettled" thing. I'm not sure what it is, and you've probably been there too. I think God is preparing me for "something", I just don't know what. It always seems to happen that way. I feel a tug at my heart, a need to pray extra hard, and then WHAM, something comes up that says "this is what I've been preparing you for"!!

There have been a couple of things I've been asking God to show me lately. The first is to show me what I need to sacrifice. Have you ever felt like God is telling you to sacrifice something so He can show you His power and love? I've been feeling that lately and am praying for God's direction. Actually, I'm praying that He would hit me over the head with it, cause I'm afraid I won't hear what He's telling me otherwise!

Secondly, I've been feeling that God is wanting me to be more hospitable. I just finished reading a book that I thought was made just for me: A Life That Says Welcome, Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others. What a great book. It gave me some awesome examples of ways to show God's love to others. Little things mean a lot to people who are hurting or need a helping hand. And you can be hospitable without having people into your home, which is good, since nobody really wants to come over and sit on Bobby's bed in the living room anyway, lol!!!!! But eventually we'll get our house back in order, and we WILL have people over.

If nothing else, God is telling me to pray more, and getting my attention by putting this feeling inside me. Not a feeling of dread, but a feeling of anticipation, looking for something great to happen, and EXPECTING a blessing or miracle or whatever He is choosing to do in us or through us next. Ain't God good????

Okay, let's move on. The not so good feeling I've had lately is that of expansion. I feel like the air bags on the sides of my hips have been deployed and that is just NOT GOOD!!!! Too much junk food while being cooped up inside, and no exercise. That was one of my resolutions, more exercise, and you people have NOT held me accountable!!!! Yea, that's it, blame it on somebody else. I feel better now, lol!!!! TODAY, I will exercise and eat right, and try to remove these air bags from around my caboose!!!! I started my day off good, with a nice bowl of HAIRY oatmeal!! Yep, it was real good until I pulled that long nasty hair out of it. It was mine, but it still made me want to hurl. Made me want to throw it away and reach for the brownies instead, but I didn't!!! I forced it down, gagging most of the time. Score one point for me, yay!!!!!

I've been a little worried about this whole eBay thing too. BUT, I will reserve my judgement (somewhat) until the end of April, when I see just how all the changes will affect my business. I do know that for a lot of people, the changes are bad. Because of WHAT I sell, I don't think they'll be as bad for me, we shall see. People will always want to buy jeans at a discount, but a lot of people who sell little trinkets and non-neccesary items will be closing up shop from what I can tell. I just thank God that he led me in this direction in the beginning, because I had no intentions of selling jeans when I first started!!

Haha!!!

Now, on to last nights dinner. I told those of you on Facebook about the wonderful bread I made last night. I can't believe how easy it was, and how yummy!!!! Here's the recipe. Mine didn't quite look like that, but it was lalicious!!

I didn't have buttermilk, so I used 1 cup milk and 1 Tablespoon white vinegar. Let it sit 5 minutes before using.

Here's what it looks like when you first put it in the pan. I used a cast iron skillet.

When it was done. Mine wasn't as high as theirs, but still yummy!!

One of our family favorites: Goulash!!

What's wrong with this picture? First of all, no green except for the peppers in the goulash. Second, I didn't think this through very well in the planning stages. The corn casserole is made with cornbread mix, and then there is the biscuit bread. A carb lovers dream meal!!!!!

Ok, so here's a few tips if you do try this bread. First, it says to cook it on medium, which is #4 on my stove. It actually started to get too done on the bottom, so I took it off the heat and let it sit a minute, then flipped it over like it said, and cooked it on and off the heat the rest of the time. I'd sit it on the burner for a minute, then take it off. it cooked up perfectly that way. Next time I might try cooking it on an even lower temp.

Also, I used a well seasoned skillet, and coated the inside with plenty of oil. I was afraid it would stick, but it didn't stick at all thanks to the generous oiling!!

Next time I'll use buttermilk, but it was great without it.

This tasted like the fluffiest homemade biscuits ever (I've NEVER made any this good!) without all the work!! Awesome! I found this recipe recently in one of those papers that come with the Newspaper. Relish or Parade or something?????

Well, that's all for now. Got to go list some jeans, make a post office run, clean and do laundry, and hmmm, something else I'm sure I'm forgetting.......oh yea, EXERCISE!!!!

Have a great day everybody! Remember that happiness is a choice, so choose to smile and be happy today. It's contagious ya know!!!!

"The Lord your God...will exult over you by singing a happy song." Zephaniah 3:17

P.S. The purple words are brought to you today by Crystal's Happy Place, where purple rules!!!!!

Thankful Saturday in the Snow!!!

For Today:

Outside My Window: Well......you know! Snow, Snow Snow!!! I'm sitting at the computer and from here I can look to the left and see out the front picture window. Look to the right and see out the den window to the back yard. It's soooo pretty!! Rethinking that picnic outside today though, it's wayyy too cold!

I am thinking: about all the plans I have for today. Finishing this blog, cooking, cleaning. Would love to have a day of lounging around on the sofa in my pj's, but I just can't make myself do it. Only when I'm sick, and then it kills me not to work (especially on eBay!!!!)

I am thankful for: The beautiful snow and the fact that I DON'T have to go out in it!! My wonderful hubby, who ran around with me all day yesterday. We needed a day together to just do "whatever", and it was great!!! All the sales I've had recently on eBay. God still provides!! My hubby is doing the laundry while I'm blogging, and he cleaned the bathroom this week!!!! He is sooo awesome! I'm thankful he sees when I'm overwhelmed, and helps out without being asked!

From the Kitchen: Well, just finished French toast and sausage. Gonna make Egg Salad and Tuna Salad later. Then steak and baked potatoes for dinner, Sarah's request. Maybe homemade bread, and either Brownies or Williamsburg bread!!

I am hoping: things are not as bleak with eBay as I've been seeing lately. For those of you who didn't see on Facebook, eBay has "decreased" their fees (that's how they sold it to us anyway), which is gonna cost me an extra $42 dollars a month, unless my listings get more exposure and therefore more sales come April. We'll see, I'll give it a month or two before I really start complaining!! Robert Lee is jumping ship though, moving on to another selling site. Can't wait to see how he does so I can possibly move some of my inventory over too!!

I am reading: Love is a Decision (awesome!!), A Home that says Welcome, online devotionals, The Bible.

I am creating: I'm TRYING to create an orderly home with help from the FLYLADY, but so far, I only read the e-mails and think I'll get to it later. It's kinda hard to do when you have inventory AND your son's bedroom in the living room. But, things are coming along. We picked up Bobby's floor yesterday, and the sheet rock primer. Can't wait to get that room put back together and get my living room back!!!! Also creating another ebay strategy of course. Selling off everything that is not jeans or new bathing suits. Gotta get the inventory under control so I can put the jeans outside and get ready to remodel my living room (ok, might be a year away, but a girls gotta dream!!)!!!

I am praying: to keep my sanity in the chaos!

I am hearing: Bobby just came home, boy his truck looks pretty in the snow, lol!!! All the animals are soooo happy to see him!!

One of my favorite things: SNOW!!!! Today anyway. When I'm ready to go somewhere and can't, it won't be so great anymore!!! Also, the new friends I've found and that have found me on Facebook that have SB or kids with SB. I've gotten lots of great info and even found some going through the same thing Sarah just went through. It's awesome to connect with people who understand and have advice to give!!

Around the house: Sarah's still snug as a bug in her bed, Bobby's home and in the shower, Rob's doing laundry, I'm blogging, and Reb's and Mitzi are being extremely lazy as usual! Other than that, not a whole lot!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Sarah has a Drs. appt in Richmond on Tuesday, maybe!!! Depends on how the roads look. Otherwise, just the same old same old (which is GOOD!!).

Here is the picture I am sharing:

Candy Love Note from my hubby last year!!!!
He's so romantical!!

The boys asleep in THEIR bed, lol!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Gaskins

Congrats you guys, the wedding was beautiful!!

That's all for now folks! Remember: Your words are a window to your heart, so speak words of kindness today and share the love of Jesus!!

...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Matthew. 12:34b

Thankful Thursday!

What a week! I don't usually say this, but I'm glad it is almost over. I have so much to be thankful for, but this week I've let the little things really get me down, and I'm ready for a change of attitude and scenery. Looking foward to my cousin's daughter's wedding on Saturday. That will get us out of town and away from the chaos of this crazy house for a while!

They have given me a job to do at this wedding. Serve Punch. Jack says that because of my ability to serve some pretty crappy dinners, he would keep me away from the food, but he thinks he can trust me with punch. Oh boy, just wait till you see how I can screw up a bowl of punch, lol!!!! Don't say I didn't warn ya.....Just kidding Kim!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm honored to help and can't wait to see these two love birds tie the knot!!!!!! Will you be posting a Facebook status update from the alter? Just wondering, lol!!

I don't like to complain, especially because my hubby is working sooo hard to get this house finished, but I'm really feeling overwhelmed by all the EXTRA clutter and mess right now. Bobby's bedroom is in the living room along with all of the eBay stuff, and Sarah's doing good to be able to squeeze through a tiny path to make her way to the kitchen!! I know that this too shall pass, and I keep trying to remind myself of that. All I know is I NEVER want to undergo another BIG project in this house as long as I live. New paint and furniture will do me just fine from here on out, lol!!!! Ok, enough about that, I don't want to get all blahhh again, let's move on!!

Since the last time I blogged:

Bobby got his job back at Great Dane!!!! Yay, another glorious miracle from our Lord and Saviour! One whole year we prayed about that job, fussed about that job, and almost gave up on that job but God is faithful!!!!!! He got his insurance reinstated right away, and he's back with his bestest friend!!! Now if Brandon would just stop trying to convince Bobby to move in with him, we'd be all set!!!!! Doesn't that boy know just how close Bobby is to FINALLY having a GREAT big bedroom?????? I don't think he's going anywhere for a while, lol!!!!!!

Sarah got final clearance from her last doctor, the plastic surgeon. He said NO MORE SURGERY! Thank you thank you thank you Lord!!!! He also said we should go to him for pressure sores and not mess around with PCP's who have no idea how to treat them in most cases. Thank you Lord again. That was what we were talking about on the way to her appointment. Wondering who we were supposed to go to now, not wanting to go to the PCP, and never even thinking it would be him!!!!!

Rob and I have starting attending the Lifetime Covenant Marriage classes at Church. They are AWESOME!!! Mark and Catherine do a great job! So far we've played with Playdough, watched Barney and Andy Griffith, and wrote our mates a love letter!!!! Oh what fun!! Here's a plug: If you want a FUN and life changing experience with your mate, head on over to the Enon Church of God on Sundays at 5:00. It's open to anyone, and it's very casual, laid back, fun and informative!!!!

Jeez Rebel, I coulda went all day without smelling that!!!! You made me lose my train of thought............anyhoo

Bobby's room is looking amazing, and I'm so thankful that Rob has been able to take lots of time off this week to work on it! The drywall is up, the old carpet is up, new doors are in, now we just have to pick out his wood floor, which we haven't been able to agree on yet!! We also don't agree on room color. I want taupe cause I think it would look awesome with all his camo bedding, but he wants white, and alas it is HIS room Crystal, so put your big girl panties on and deal with it!!!!!

As far as my resolutions go, oh don't even go there!!!! Stress eating has been my friend this week. Yes, I know exercise is a great stress reliever, but trying to find my gazelle in all the clutter is even more stressful, so..........I really need to work on getting the clutter out. The bad thing is Mom and I are cleaning out and storing things up for a yard sale in the spring. That means more clutter until the sale, grrrrrr!!!!!!! It never seems to end. Why do I keep going back to this? I guess this is my ugly cross to bear this week!!!!

Let me make a conscious effort to think about what I'm thankful for this week:

My family, who puts up with me through the mood swings.

My wonderful hubby who holds me at night until he's sure I'm okay, cause he says he can't sleep until I am. I love you baby!!!

My mother, who makes life easier by going above and beyond what she's paid to do at my house!! Where would I be without you?????

My Church family, just being in God's house lifts me up! I have a wonderful Church and thank God for the way He's moving among His people!!

My eBay job, even though stressful the last couple of weeks, sales have been steady and great!

That everybody is back to work which gives me some alone time during the day. I sure did miss that, and it's nice to have it back, even if I'm still just working while they're gone!!!

That Bobby came back to Church Sunday!!! For the longest time there was not much there for kids his age, but that's starting to change, and I'm thankful he honored God for answering his prayer about the job by coming back!!!

Oh my, look at the time! Gotta run take Sarah to work now. I have sooo much more to be thankful for, but I'll stop for now!

Take time today to count your blessings! It really does help to bring you out of the blues when you think about all you have been blessed with instead of what you don't have for a change! And don't forget to pray for the people of Haiti, and help out if you can! God called us to service for others ya know :-)

Love and Joy to you!!!!!!

Crystal :-)

New Year, New Resolutions!!!!!

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been a year since I started blogging! Well, almost. That first blog took me 2 weeks to finish, so next week it will be a whole year!

So much has happened in that year, and if it’s not in the blog, it’s splattered across Facebook! For somebody who doesn’t like to talk (really, I’m not kidding!), I never thought I could ever say so much! That first blog talked about my New Years Resolutions, so I want to go back and revisit all those great intentions I had and see how well I did. Pfft, okay, see how miserably I failed is more like it!!

The BIG THREE resolutions were weight loss of course, get better at eBay, and improve my prayer life/Bible study habits. Last January, I complained about gaining all but 7 pounds of the 30 pounds I had lost in 2005. Well…….now I’ve gained all but 5 pounds back. On the bright side, I only gained 2 pounds this year!!! Honestly, I gained more, lost more, and evened out at gaining 2 pounds for the year. Last year I wanted to lose 20 pounds by the time our Campground opened so I wouldn’t be miserable in my tight clothes. Okay, I’m keeping this resolution for this year, and I already know that I will make it this time! How’s that for determination?????? I’ll also add that I want to start exercising regularly again this year. Last year I only did it sporadically.

Ok, enough about weight. The next resolution was about eBay. I did pretty good with this one. I managed to finally figure out a strategy that works for me, and business has been excellent lately, but on the down side…..my house still looks like a warehouse, and Bobby says I CANNOT use his new big room for storage! How rude……. :-D

The last resolution was to improve my prayer life and Bible study. This is the one I am most thankful for and proud of. I was able to do this, thanks in part to reading the Bible every day on the computer. Rob and I also started doing nightly devotions together and praying together before he leaves for work in the morning. All these things have brought us closer together and closer to the Lord this year. Which is good, because this has been one of the toughest years we’ve had in a long time. I can’t imagine how stressful it would have been if we hadn’t been united by prayer and God’s promises to see us through!

Here is my list of Resolutions for this year, and it‘s a LONG one. I’ve posted them, so now all of you will help to keep me accountable, right??? RIGHT??????

Health:

• To cut WAYYY down on sugar and carbs and save them for special occasions, like going out to eat.

• To only drink 2 cups of coffee in the morning, and replace the rest with hot green tea.

• To eat LOTS more veggies and fruits, cause if I had my way, the only veggie I would get would be in ketchup!!!

• To eat one pro-biotic yogurt a day, cause Dr. Oz told me to!

• To eat more low fat protein.

• To exercise at least ½ hour 5 days a week.

Well, so far so good. I’ve managed to lose 2-½ pounds and exercise twice this week.

Home:

• To reduce the clutter in this house!!!!!!

• To use up the groceries I have before I have to throw them away. Hoping to get much better at this cause it makes me sick to throw away good money I coulda used for a new outfit, lol!!!!!!

• To only buy the best of the best of jeans and list them on eBay. That will help me to not spend as much time working, but still make a good profit!!

• To work on getting my living room back in order, and get eBay out of here. My goal is to have new furniture and maybe (?) new flooring by next Christmas, if my furniture will hold out that long. I’m serious, it’s REALLY REALLY bad!!!

Ummm, well…….right now Bobby’s bed is in the living room and it’s so cluttered with his stuff and eBay that I can’t find a thing, but Rob’s working hard as he can on getting Bobs room done in between working 10 hour days. It’ll get there, I have faith!!!!!!!!!!!!

Personal:

• I plan to spend more time on taking care of me, and I started by finally removing the toenail polish I’ve had on since Summer. Hey, that’s a great start, dontcha think!!!

Spiritual:

• To spend more time reading God’s word and actually studying what I read. I bought a great book to help me with that, it’s called “The Bible for Dummies”. STOP LAUGHING, THAT’S NOT NICE!!!!! GO TO YOUR NAUGHTY CORNER!!! Even that book makes me feel like a Dummy, but at least I WANT to learn, that’s gotta count for something!!!

• To continue doing nightly devotionals and reading great relationship building books with my sweetie. That time together is precious, and it we need it to help us recharge after some grueling days.

• To put into action some plans Rob and I have talked about concerning ministry to others.

Well…..geez, once again, there’s a slight problem. I’ve misplaced my Dummy book, the last time I saw it was when Sarah was in the hospital. I hope I didn’t leave it there. But I plan to get right on that as soon as it shows up! In the meantime, I’ve subscribed to four daily devotionals online, so I’ll keep up with that for now.

I guess that’s all for now. I know it’s Thankful Thursday and this wasn’t really a “Thankful” blog, but in a roundabout way it is. I’m thankful for the blessings God poured on us this past year, and I’m thankful for all we will accomplish this coming year with His help! I'm thankful that I was able to keep some of my new years resolutions, and I'm thankful God has given me the desire to keep even more this year!!!!!!!!

My prayer is that everyone reading this will have a much better year in 2010. Of all the posts I read on Facebook, soooo many people had a tough 2009 for one reason or another. I pray that God will bless you and prosper you spiritually, financially, and healthfully (is that a word?).

Below is the reason for much of our prayers:

Bobby keeps us on our toes and on our knees, lol!!!!
I'm a little jealous though, looks like it was GREAT FUN!!!!

Thankful for my Mom this Thursday!!!

Today is Thankful Thursday of course, and I have so much to be thankful for, but most of all I really want to thank my Mom for all the help she has given us over the last few months!!

Sure, she gets paid to work with Sarah. It's her "job". But she has gone sooo far above and beyond what she has been paid to do. She has been there for us no matter what time of day or how long each day we have needed her. She doesn't get paid when Sarah goes into the hospital, but she was there every day as Nanny, not caretaker!!! Just like she has ALWAYS been! In every hospitalization, she is right there to stay with us and keep us company, or to stay with Sarah so I can go home for a few hours.

A lot of times, she is Sarah's voice when things aren't going good. She has NO problem telling nurses and doctors when Sarah is having a problem and she thinks they aren't doing something fast enough!!! When Sarah hurts, she cries right along with her. She has the patience of a saint, because contrary to popular belief, Sarah can have a bit of an attitude (like most girls her age)! Mom tries to take it with a grain of salt most of the time. She keeps her cool when she'd really like to "give it right back to her", lol!!!

This next week is a VERY busy week for everybody, being the week of Christmas. We have TWO days of Drs. appointments in Richmond next week. Mom will have company coming in on Sunday, and yet she is still going to those appointments with us. Honestly, I don't know how she does it all. I wish I had half of her energy. Maybe this is her secret: Power Naps, lol!!!

Sometimes we work her to the point of exhaustion!!!
She's gonna kill me for this one!!!!!!!!!!

Our family NEVER could have gone on this journey without the help of my Mom. Well, I guess we could have, but I can't imagine how hard it would have been. And I can't forget Dad, who brings Mom to the hospital every day, and comes for every surgery even though he doesn't like hospitals.


They are the most amazing parents in the world, and I'm so lucky they are mine!!! Okay, I'm crying now, but it's sooo true!
I love them so much just because of who they are and how awesome they are, but they have just gone above and beyond their duties as parents and grandparents. How blessed we are to have them as our own!!!!!!

I love you Mommy! I thank God for giving me such a wonderful Mom and Friend!! May God bless us with many more years to walk this crazy but awesome life together!!!!

Her children arise up, and call her blessed:
Proverbs 31:28

Thankful Thursday

Thank God it's Thursday! This has been one busy week, but a great week. Because things are so hairy still (my own fault, I'll explain later), I've decided to combine my two blogs again this week. Maybe things will calm down in January? One can dream.....

For Today:

Outside My Window: I'm waiting for the sun to come up. I have tons of stuff to bring in from the shed to ship this morning and I don't want to slip down the ramp and break another ankle or step in doggy doo, so I have to wait till sunrise!!

I am thinking: Once again, I'm thinking: What was I thinking? I put a ton of items on auction at one time, and 52 of them sold. So now I have 52 items to ship out at one time. Am I crazy? Yep, but I just wanted to get this stuff out of here!

I am thankful for: so much!! The fact that they changed Sarah's meds to just one IV twice a day! Hallelujah!! Last night I went to bed around 9:30 and slept all night. Praise God!!! I don't have to wake her up at 6:00 in the morning anymore. The only problem with it right now is that the new med makes her nauseous. If it continues, they will give her something for it tomorrow. They took her off of the other meds just in time. They were causing her white blood count to drop. The doctor said those meds were not her friend anymore!!! I'm thankful that she is going to try to make it to her church and mine this week! It's still takes a lot of time to get her ready, so this will be a challenge, but one we are sooooo ready for!!! I'm thankful I was able to do everything for Sarah's little family party last night, even though I felt like my Dinners: crappy, lol!!! By the end of the night, whatever I had passed, and it all worked out. God is sooo good!!!

From the Kitchen: Well, lets see: we have mexican leftovers from dinner last night. Pizza leftovers from lunch yesterday. Hardee's Chicken and french fries & onion rings leftover from the party last night (Grandmother brought them at Sarah's request!!) Two kinds of cake leftover cause Sarah gets her favorite for her birthday which is chocolate, but everybody else likes the white cake, so she's the only one who always gets two cakes every year!!!!! leftover chips and 2 kinds of dip which I forgot to even set out last night since there was so much food. So........I think that pretty much takes care of lunch and dinner today. I won't be cooking till I can get all that mess out of my fridge!!!!

I am hoping: That Bobby gets Johnny's truck inspected and running soon. I forgot I have international items to ship out today, and Bobby has to have my van to be at work at 10. The post office doesn't open till 10, so I'm out of luck. I could take him to work, but nah, I'm not THAT desperate, lol!!!!! Oh yea, by the way, Bobby's newest buy is his uncle Johnny's truck. Johnny is not able to drive anymore due to his MS, and Bobby needed a vehicle fast until he can find what he really wants (the F-150 hasn't worked out yet cause the seller didn't have the title!!), so they helped each other out. The only problem is Bobby is a wheeler dealer, and nobody wants to see him sell Johnny's truck, even though it will have to happen eventually. There are too many memories and emotions tied up in that truck, and it's soo sad that Johnny has to give it up.

I am reading: Well, in all honesty, I've only been able to read Through the Bible in a Year and a few online devotions lately. Just been too busy to keep up with even our couples devotions. Since Rob and I are on such different schedules, it's hard to sit down together the last couple of weeks. We've just fallen in the bed exhausted at the end of the day. BUT.....we've already said we will be able to get back to them tonight now that I don't have to stay up late anymore. Yippeeeee!!!!!!

I am creating: Nothing. Please. I don't want to have to think or create anything today. Thank you very much. LOL

I am praying: That we'll get a good report from the Plastic Surgeon next week. That Sarah's nausea will go away. That we'll be able to attend some Church activities without too much problem. That Sarah forgives me for buying her an Argyle sweater for her birthday! (Had to be there!!! I LOVE Argyle, but apparently I'm the only one in the family that does, lol).

I am hearing: Absolutely nothing. Isn't that nice?

One of my favorite things: Sleep, just being honest.

Around the house: I have lots to do, so I gotta get busy!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Post Office tomorrow, maybe a little shopping, Church this weekend.

Devotional: December is all about gifts. Nothing but gifts....Gifts tied with heartstrings. Gifts that surprise and delight. Gifts that transform the mundane into the miraculous. Gifts that nurture the souls of both the giver and given. Perfect gifts. God has given us two hands: one to receive with and the other to give with. Open your arms wide to receive God's perfect gifts of salvation, forgiveness, faith, trust, comfort, peace, compassion, and courage. Then share your gifts with others. This is what Christmas is all about. God gave us the perfect gift of His Son. Share that gift with others this Christmas. Watch...and see what happens.
Here is the picture I am sharing: I can't believe I didn't take any pictures of Sarah last night, but I wasn't feeling good and we were so busy watching my brotherand his family watching Sarah on webcam and I just forgot.

Thankful Thursday

Well, Well, Well, look what today is!!! I'm sooo Thankful it's Thursday. One week till Thanksgiving! One week till I see my Baby Alex (and the rest of the family of course!!). I can't believe she's gonna be a year old next week. Time flies when your little brother keeps having babies, lol!!!!! I'm thinking maybe one more, just to even out the number?!?!?!?!?!? How about it Bridget?

Anyhoo, I'm thankful that Sarah is starting to feel a little better. Her worst complaint now is all the sweating she does whenever she sleeps. No matter what time of day, if she falls asleep, she's gonna wake up drenched. That's something new for her, and she hates it. You know, girls don't even like to "glisten", much less sweat like a linebacker!!

But I have to say, she has the cleanest bedclothes in town! Pillows and all are getting washed a couple of times every day. Sure am thankful I got that nice BIG washing machine! I told her it would save some time if we could just put a kiddie pool on her bed and lay her in water to keep the sweat down. Hey, bath, bed and fun all at the same time, who wouldn't go for it?? Sarah, that's who!!!!!!

I'm thankful that I was finally able to find a new Internal Med Dr. for Sarah. She's all the way up at St. Mary's, but it will be worth it. She already has several patients that she works together with Sarah's Ortho Surgeon on, so they are familiar with her. Now to find time to go see her.....

I'm thankful that I was able to schedule both of Sarah's hospital follow-up appts. on the same day next Tuesday at St. Mary's. Since it's so close to Thanksgiving, I only wanted to drive up there once. Thank you Lord for working that out!!!!

I'm thankful Bobby hasn't caused me to lose my mind yet, lol!!! He brought another hunk of junk (4 wheeler this time) home the other night. Guess where it's sitting? Ok, not in my driveway, but in the back yard where I see it (along with his huge tires and boat) when I look out the kitchen window, grhhhh!!!!!!! Ok, Rob has junk out there too, but at least his is being productive. One day that siding will be on the house instead of in the yard!!!!

I'm thankful I finally got some work done on eBay. I listed a bunch of women's dress winter clothes yesterday that I got at a yard sale for $1.00 each. A lot of them still had the tags on, so if I sell just one, I've already recouped my investment. That makes me VERY thankful!!!!

I say this all the time, but I have to say it again. I'm soooo thankful that I am able to stay home and work on eBay, and not worry about having a job. I would have been so stressed and worried about that while Sarah was in the hospital. Mostly because I've always worked in small Drs. offices, and if someone is out, there's nobody to fill in for you, and it throws everybody off and makes them work harder and longer. I know lots of people have to face that every day, but I'm so thankful that I don't right now!!!!

I'm thankful that God has blessed Sarah with so many great friends from her Church. I don't know what she would have done without all of them. They have called, visited, kept her spirits up with encouraging words and cards. They are just amazing!!! Especially her Facebook buddies! What a blessing Facebook has been to us through all this. All you people know how to lift people up, make us laugh, and help us forget about all the medical stuff for a while!!!!!

I'm really not so thankful for all the sugar that's been in this house this week. Just when I tell the world I'm starting a diet, here comes Tirimisu (my fault), Key Lime Pie (Bobby's fault), those huge fund-raiser Cinnamon Buns and Carrot Cakes (Rob's fault)!!!! But I am thankful that I've been able to contol my consumption of said sins pretty well. Sharing half a slice of Tirimisu with my Mommy works out pretty well. And eating a 1/4 of the carrot cake then leaving the rest for Rob, that's okay. Still get the taste without the bloat. Okay, that's just TMI I think. Let's move on.....

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, have I said that before? Just so you know, he's the most thoughtful, considerate man on the planet!!!!! And sexy too. Okay, I'll shut up. Let's not get out of hand this morning Crystal :-D But I do love me some Rob Jeffreys!!

Well, I wrote a lot more here, but somehow when I went to publish the blog, it disappeared, so I guess it wasn't meant to be. Maybe that was God's way of telling me to "zip it" and get to work!!!!!

Here's a corny Thankgiving joke for you:

"I was going to serve sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving, but I sat on them."

"Now what are you going to serve?"

"Squash".

Baahhaaahhhhaaaa!!! Whatever......

Don't forget to be Thankful this week!!

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Happy Fall Ya'll

Happy Thursday Everybody!!! Today is Thankful Thursday I know, but since I didn't do a blog on Monday, I'm combining the two again!!

I am soooo Thankful that I finally feel better. That was one LONG aggravating illness. Hopefully I'm good for the rest of the year, cause I don't want to go through that again!!

I hear that my Dee Dee is gonna be a Gramy again!!! PJ and Sophie are expecting. How exciting!!!

I'm thankful for all the Fall colors that are starting to show up! I love it!!!

I'm sure there's lots more I'm forgetting to say, but I saved the first of this blog for last, and Mom and Bobby are sitting here with me now, so I'm a little distracted. I'll just say I'm thankful that God has blessed us in so many ways we don't don't deserve, and I love Him with all my heart!!!!!

For Today:

Outside My Window: It's 6:00, and Bobby is outside with Katybug already. Something about needing his GPS. All I know is it's strange to see him up this early!!

I am thinking: What was I thinking? I went to Goodwill this week while they had everything 75% off. I bought 8 HUGE bags of stuff for eBay, (and 3 things for us, lol). My receipt said I bought 96 items, and my total was $154. Not bad at all!!! My estimated conservative profit: a little over $1,100.
The 2 ladies who checked me out said I had the biggest load they'd ever rang up. Not the largest sale, since it was so cheap, but the most items. No, I'm not proud of that! The other customers were laughing cause I couldn't see over my basket, and telling me they hoped they didn't get in line behind me!!!

I am thankful for: The ability to do what I love. The love and support of my wonderful husband. My awesome Chillins!!

From the Kitchen: Well, yesterday my Savory Beef Sandwiches (new recipe) was such a hit, especially with Sarah, don't know if I can top it!! I think I'll make Chicken, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce and Potato Salad today. I've got onions and celery left over from Chicken Salad that I need to use up, and that comes to mind.

I am hoping: That Sarah's temp will stay down. It was up again last night to 101. She needs a break!!!!

Sarah eating at McDonalds in her PJ's after we left the hospital!!

I am reading: Well, I finished "Becoming the Woman of His Dreams", and passed the test, HAHAHAHA! Well, I'm trying anyway! Now I'm reading "Living a Life that says WELCOME", and "Simple Abundance", as well as Through the Bible in a Year and Nightline Devotionals for Couples.

I am creating: Some space in this house, but that's gonna take a while. I managed to separate all the Goodwill stuff into Summer, Winter, Jeans, Dresses, etc. and into buckets. Now, what to do with the buckets? Right now there are 14 buckets and 2 suitcases in the living room and dining room. I cleaned it out last month, but piled it back up again already, ugh!!!!!!!!

I am praying: For complete healing for Sarah, and that my boys stay well!!!

I am hearing: My Mommy is alseep behind me on the couch. She left the TV on last night, so I'm hearing the news. I'm also hearing Bobby in his bedroom. He stayed up after Kate left, and I fixed him coffee (haven't done that since he left his Great Dane job!!) Awe, we just had nice little early morning chat!! He's the greatest :-)

One of my favorite things: My new super clean and leakless roof, thanks to my Super Hardworking Hubby, who looked awesome against the clouds while he worked!!!!!

Around the house: Too much noise! I don't like the TV on, but if I turn it off, Mommy will wake up.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Never sure about plans lately. If Sarah gets better, we'll go to the River Saturday. But right now, that's not looking promising. If we stay home, we'll try to go to the Harvest Festival at Church.

Marriage Enrichment idea: I think we all understand the benefits of treating your spouse with love and respect. I think I'll branch out into other areas for a while after this!! Do something nice and unexpected for your spouse. Let them know you're doing it because you appreciate all they do for you and your family. It's amazing what a little act of kindness toward your spouse will accomplish in bringing you closer together!!!

Here is the picture I am sharing:

Baby Alex and Nanny!!

My baby came home this weekend, and I didn't get to see her because of all the sickness :-(

Thankful Thursday

Good Morning World! Today is a great day. It's a day to count your blessings and name them one by one. Ok, that might take a FEW days, so let's just name a couple for now, lol!!

First, I'm always thankful for my wonderful husband. That man brought me and Sarah flowers AGAIN yesterday! Fall flowers this time! He's so awesome.

I'm thankful for the work he got done the two days he took off this week. It's starting to look like a totally different house! Still looking for that delivery of sand for the front yard so I can officially call it my beach house, lol!!

I'm thankful for the man at the post office who told me I could mail jeans First Class International. All this time I've been going by what somebody else there told me, and thought they were too big to ship that way. I'm hoping sales will increase even more now, but I'm still waiting. Thank the Lord for 5 International sales so far this week and 5 last week, but none of them were jeans. Oh well, in time....

I'm thankful that my sales have increased over all recently. I think I finally have my listings looking professional enough to compete with other jean sellers, and I've been doing VERY well the last 3 weeks. Praise the Lord!!!!!

I'm thankful for Mitzi's new bed I made her. She would NOT stay off of my jeans, so I had to cover them with bubble wrap or anything she can't lay on.
I wanted to buy her a bed so bad, but Rob and Bobby both argued that she would NOT use it. She had one years ago, and wouldn't use it. She likes clothes or boxes with clothes in them, lol!! I finally took a Post Office Mailing Box and put a towel in it. That crazy cat has barely left it since. It's not pretty, a rather ugly eyesore in the living room, but hey.....SHE LOVES IT!!!!
I thank the Lord for my wonderful Mom and Dad, who celebrated their 48th Anniversary yesterday. I LOVE you guys!!! And for Robs grandpa, the "original" Robert Earl Jeffreys Sr., who turned 91 on Tuesday. May they all have many celebrations to come :-D

I thank the Lord for all the wonderful friends and family that keep popping up on Facebook! What an awesome way to connect with family you haven't seen in ages (or in some cases, ever)!! I love keeping up with cousin Crystal (one day we will meet!!!) and her baby news, Congrats on finding out it's a boy!!! And Kim and her wedding plans: very exciting! Talking to Leslie and Doug more often than when we HAPPEN to get to Pennsylvania at the same time, lol!! And I talk to my brother more now than I did when he lived here, that's crazy!!! But it's an awesome site, and I thank God for it!!!

I'm thankful for my Church, and what God is doing through our new leadership. People are excited about the changes, and we are growing. Our new youth leader Carl has already increased attendance of the youth, and they LOVE him, but who doesn't? He's been our "baby" since he was little, and I'm so excited that he's grown into the awesome young man he is today. God sent him back to us just when we needed him!!

I'm thankful for my children! They are the light of my life. They keep me sane, or insane....I can't decide. All I know is I would be lost without them. It makes me tear up just thinking about how much joy they've brought to my life! When Sarah was born, God used her to show us how to live outside the box! Nothing would be cookie cutter perfect when it came to taking care of her. We learned to take whatever we had and make it work for our circumstances. I never would have even considered what it was like to raise a disabled child had she not been born. God has taught us compassion for others through her life! Sarah is Daddy's girl, but I forgive her for that, lol!!!! She has been the bright spot in a lot of lives through her years, and God has blessed her with good health inspite of her disability! We have seen lots of SB kids with much more severe problems than her, and we feel fortunate!

Then came Bobby! I know he won't admit it, but he was (is) a Mommy's boy! Sarah is outgoing and never meets a stranger, just like Rob. Bobby is shy and reserved, just like me. To this day, if Bobby wants to order a pizza, he makes me call. He's not one to talk much...unless he is excited about a possible new truck or toy purchase....then he can really get the gums going! He's such a great kid, and I thank God that he has grown into the responsible young man that he is today! Watching him grow up is bittersweet. I'm so excited about what his future holds, but wish I could sometimes rock my baby boy to sleep again. They grow up way too fast!!!!!

Oh, can you tell....I LOVE my chillens!!

Enough now, I have a million things to do. Just had to take a minute to be thankful for the blessings in my life! Won't you do the same today? Have a great one :-D