Sunday.....

Today, Russell woke up feeling bad and since I've been sick most of the week, we decided we should stay in and rest today. 

We are very blessed to have our church service on the radio, so we went to church at home!  Matt's home for his spring break this week, so he went in our place!

Here is Russell listening to the service with the dogs.  Just from their sleeping positions, I'm not sure they got a lot out of the service!  But we did, so we didn't feel so bad about missing church today.

I love it when Matt is home because he always makes cookies!  We had nothing sweet in the house and now the smell of chocolate chip cookies is in the air and my diet is out the window!

And by the way, is anyone else just dumbfounded that today is the last day of February!?  Time is moving a little too fast for this old girl!

Taking a couple of sick days!

One thing I can promise you, there will be no pictures of anything in this post.  Especially not a sick woman who only dressed yesterday to go to the doctor and stayed in pajamas all day today.

I just have that head/ear/throat/fever CRUD!  Thankfully my DH reminded me yesterday that our doctor's office is closed every Friday and unless I wanted to take a chance and end up at a Doc in the Box, I'd better call.  I did.  Whew!  I needed an antibiotic and some cough meds.

So.........today I'm in my pajamas, thank goodness I had on the cute ones, when the doorbell rang.  If any of you have little yappy dogs that haven't been under the tutelage of The Dog Whisperer, you can just imagine what happened!  They both went barking to the door.  Like crazy maniacs!

I was just going to peek around the door and see if it was anyone that looked important.  I forgot that we just got a new front door and it has more glass so people can see right in the foyer!  So I had no choice but to open the door just a tiny crack and hold the dogs back with my foot.  

At my door were two lovely girls.....before they said a word, I knew where they were from and what they wanted.  The lovely woman in front said do you have a minute to talk?  and take some of our propaganda.

I'm in my pajamas, obviously sick and coughing my head off!  No I don't want to talk!  As I try to say no, the lovely lady said You look like you're under a lot of stress!  Actually I WAS under a lot of stress......I was standing in the doorway with pajamas on fighting by this time to keep two yappy, crazy dogs in the house so that I wouldn't have to chase them down the block in my very cute pjs!

I said no thankyou and closed the door.  I admit to feeling a bit guilty, but that's just my nature!

Happy Anniversary Number 43!

 

Here's where it all started!  

And here they are today.....43 years later.

And they said it wouldn't last! 

 

Happy Anniversary!

Link up at Linda's to do Random Dozen!

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?

    I loved archery class in Jr. High School......and speaking of guns, my husband and I recently took the gun  safety course in preparation to get our concealed weapons permit.  How scary is that!?  Me with a gun in my purse?

 

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?

I do think my two best childhood friends are still living here, but I never see them.  Isn't that a shame?

 

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?

I used to arrive early everywhere.....but in the last couple of years, I'm just on time and sometimes late.  I don't like that, so I am going to work on that one!

 

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?

I haven't been to New York, but I have been to California several times and I would have to say probably neither!  I'm just a Florida girl!

 

5. Do you have a special ring tone?

Just what came with my phone.....

 

6. What is your favorite type of chip?

BBQ

 

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....

I just drew a blank!  But I love a good comedy!

 

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"

I cut my hair all the time.  But only if a piece won't do what it is supposed to do....in that case I just snip it off!  Drives my hairdresser crazy!

 

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?

Oh, wow.....just to stay on the safe side, I'd love to redo my bathrooms and pool deck.  I'll just leave myself out of this...:)  I was just reading about the girl who had the 10 plastic surgeries in one day and she's 23!  What can possibly be wrong with your body at 23????  Now later?  Oh, I forgot, I wasn't going to get into that.  I'll just stick with the bathrooms!

      

10. Are you allergic to anything?

No, maybe if I was, I would lose weight!

 

11. Why is it so hard to change?

Because it takes us out of what we know and thrusts us into the unknown and we're not comfortable!    At least that's what it is for me!  

 

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.

 I love C.S. Lewis!  Being vulnerable isn't that bad if you choose well to begin with and have Christ at the center.  After all, He is the only reason we even know how to love! 

O.K. that was quick and fun....join in if you want!

 

Cutting the rug with the oldies but goodies!

Love was in the air last night as the retirement home where mama lives came to life with a late Valentines dance.  

One of mama's sweet caregivers, Nikki, came in to do mama's hair and makeup!  She did a great job and mama was just beautiful!

My brother and his wife came to party ..................

 

I came too, but sadly Russell had to work late, so Tommy had three dates for the night!

You're never too old to dance!  Below are Tom and Jo cutting the rug to the music of their time, that is those timeless love songs we all know!  At least those of us over 50!  Tom was having a blast!  Click on the picture to see the big grin on his face.  He danced with all the girls!

  

Mama and her friend Margaret!  They are both named Mary Margaret and they're fast friends.

  

Below is Barry, an incredible singer!   He walked around in the crowd stopping at tables to sing to the ladies....it was really sweet and a lot of fun.

 

Some of the ladies who made this happen!  Pat, on the left always has exciting things going on and keeps everyone on their toes.

The table decorations were really pretty.

 

Each year they crown the King and Queen of the retirement center.  This year, one of the married couples won and were crowned and presented with flowers.  This picture is a little dark, but click on it to see the royalty up close!

 

Good food, good music, dancing and just enjoying each other's company.  It was a great night.  

And a late night.  The dancing didn't stop until about 7:15 p.m.  

Love never ends!

Ever just feel like this?

O.K. I just realized this girl is stressing over credit cards!  :)  That's not my problem!  Just in case any of you were thinking of sending money....unless it just makes you feel good...I mean who am I to mess up your day???

This is how I feel at the end of this week......it seems like everyday has been full of stress and worry.  

Fortunately, I do know the One who has all the answers.  

I wish I could list all the stressful things this week, but I can't, even though it would feel good to vent.  

Just for the record, Christians are NOT exempt from problems, we just have an eternal hope and a Sovereign God.  

I have a pleasant blog for tomorrow!  Stay tuned!

Random Dozen

 

Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee sponsors Random Dozen.....go over to see more answers!

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?

Snowboarding!  I'm not even sure that's the right name, but I watched it and it looked like so much fun.  Of course, I wouldn't get to the first hill because I would be down from the get  go!

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?
When I first saw Nadia Comaneci perform!  She was so little!  And she won so many gold medals.

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?
No
 
4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?
Nagging!
 
5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?
 I know I'm Scottish and Scotch-Irish......maybe several other flavors running through my blood!
 
6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?
Love it!  Dream about it!  Hardly ever happens!
 
7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)
I've never performed CPR but I have had the class....could I do it?  I'm a firm believer of doing what you have to do, when you have to do it!  
 
8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.
I really would just like to visit all the many places in this country that I've never been.....I think there are treasures to be found right here in America.
 
9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?
I try all the time. 
 
10. What is the last book you read?
Twelve Ordinary Men.....McArthur
 
11. This question I was supposed to write....well my mind is blank...

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?
crab cakes and ceasar salad at Bone*fish

You said today is only Wednesday???  How can this be, I'm so tired!  

Happy Valentine's Day to all...

We actually don't celebrate Valentines day.  Last night on our way out to supper, Russell said now you know I don't do Valentine's day don't you and you're not going to be disappointed are you???  I had to laugh!  No, I won't be disappointed......I mean it's nice to get something special, but I want him to do it just for no reason.  Hear that honey???

 

 Just kidding!  I know you love me every day!  

And I love you every day.....

All my love/all my life!

But the most important love of all is this   I have loved you with an everlasting love...Jeremiah 31: part of verse 3

Two posts in one day! Happy Birthday Claudia!

 

Happy Birthday to our sweet and beautiful daughter in law!  We love you and hope this is a wonderful day for you and a wonderful year.....the year you become a mother.  

Random Dozen

I'm participating for the first time today in Linda's Random Dozen.  Go on over to join in the fun.

1.Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?

If I'm just a little sick, I'm just fussy.....if I'm really sick, I get scared and want someone with me, why I don't know!

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?

I think.....poor, poor mamas!

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?

Dusting!  I hate dusting and it seems as if I dust and turn around and need to dust again!

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?

Actually, I do have a heart wreath I hang when I remember!  I'm not a big Valentine day celebrant.

5. What song is on your mind today?

I didn't have a song on my mind until I read this and immediately, Willy Nelson's You were always on my mind....came to mind.  That's a lot of minds for someone who can't find hers!

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

I love the Jane Austin movies.....Pride and Prejudice, etc. but I really like a good suspense movie (not as in gory) and a good love story, but it has to be at least a little bit realistic.  

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room. 

My husband and I rarely have a tiff, but if we do, I can't put it aside until it is resolved.....my way....:)  

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)

His walk....seriously, I met my husband (again, we had actually known each other all our lives) at the walking park.  He has a very distinctive walk!  I also thought he had nice legs.  But now, most of all I love his laugh!  If you ever hear it, you'll never forget that laugh.  

9. When was the last time your heart raced?

Last night, when my husband walked in the door from work.  

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?

Excitedly waiting to see who I got cards from at school.  I don't know why, since we all gave each other one!  Incurable romantic, I guess!

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?

Sweet tart hearts....

12. Red or pink?

Red

If you see my memory around, tell it to come home!

Today would have been my daddy's 90th birthday!  I really can't imagine daddy being 90...when he died at 76, he was working 6 days a week and church on Sunday.  I'm thankful we didn't have to watch him slow down!

He was a great daddy and I will think of him often today.

*****************************************************

Now this is a true story....sad, but very,very true.  Have you ever felt like this?

Well, apparently, my mind is going and going fast.

I usually have lunch at home every day, except for the occasional lunch out with a friend.  My husband, on the other hand, goes out to lunch at least three days a week.  I'm always asking him where he went to lunch, then lamenting about how I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at home, alone.

Last night when dear, patient husband got home and we were eating supper, I said, so, where did you have lunch today? 

He grinned, so immediately I thought oh, another lunch out!

Then, I said rather indignantly oh, it must have been at a good place, so where???

Then he started laughing out loud and I got really mad.  He says, honey, when you asked, it was funny, but when you insisted it was really funny!

Rather sheepishly I suddenly remembered!  We had lunch at his mother's house.........together.

Should I be worried now???

Anxiety anyone?

I just couldn't resist this.  Thanks to Renee   for letting me use this cute cartoon. Go on over and visit her, she has lots of really cute cartoons!

Actually I'm not afraid to take anxiety medicine.  I'm more afraid of anxiety itself!

Anxiety is such a strange creature.  One of the happiest times of my life, I was the most anxious.  When I explained that to my doctor, I was informed that ANY kind of stress, good or bad is stress.  It was right after Russell and I had married and lots of things were changing.  I sold my house which meant I had nowhere to go if I felt trapped.....I didn't....feel trapped that is....but I might have I thought.....I quit my job to stay home and raise two more kids .  That was very traumatic as I had worked most of my adult life and didn't know what to do with myself.  AND I had already raised two kids.  Just lots of stuff changed.  And even though they were good changes, they triggered anxiety.

Some people don't understand anxiety.....feel Christians shouldn't even have anxiety.....if that's true, somebody should have told David, the apple of God's eye.  He spent a lot of time crying out to God.

Actually, I'm not all that anxious right now.  O.K. that's not entirely true.  But I do trust everything will turn out good. 

Now here's one who knows how to relax....

Ah, I think I'll go take a few lessons from Mikey!  

Another night out????

 

 Now, folks, we are southerners....to the core!

But my mother in law is a genteel southerner, as sweet and proper as the day is long!  

Here she is with her first great grandchild!  She will be getting another one in June.....a great grandson, our grandson!  

 

This kind of southern.....below is a book she gave one of our sons for Christmas.  He's away at college, the book.....still here.  Sorry Mema! 

 Yes, there is a point to this story!

A local doctor and family bought my MIL's brother's home and have been living there for oh, about a year I think.  MIL has been fretting that she hasn't done anything for them, so tonight she is taking them to dinner and we're invited to go!  So, that's why I say another night out!  Two this week, three if you count church last night and I do!    Oh, yea, one was last week, but who's counting?!   

I may can put his picture away for this week!  

Oh, and that man above?  With me??  My husband and best friend.  I love having time with him, but I can be a bit of a well, nag.  I call it helpful reminders, but he swears it's nagging!

So here are a couple of scriptures I have to keep in mind, especially during tax season!

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own two hands the foolish one tears hers down.  Proverbs 14:1

And DH's particular favorite...

A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day  

Proverbs 27:15

So on the days I'm particularly helpful, he has been known to say drip, drip, drip.  

Making adjustments.....

Making adjustments has never been easy for me and this time of year we makes lots of adjustments.  They make me feel like this....

Yes, tax season has come again.  This is the time of year I spend a lot of time alone.  I put a picture of Russell in every room so I'll remember what he looks like!  O.K. I may be exaggerating just a little. Please let me assure you that I am NOT complaining.  I know in these economic times, we are extremely blessed and we don't take it for granted.

Some days, all he sees me in is pajamas!  A few nights a week, he's not home until 10 p.m. or later....but tonight, he got here at 7 and we had supper together and he stayed home!  So here we are, both of us with our laptops on our laps....duh....but we are enjoying being in the same room!  Russell is doing sudoku keeping his brain sharp.......and well, I'm surfing the blogworld!

We do find time to do some eating out and attend church and other functions......like the banquet I want to tell you about below......

About two years ago, I started volunteering at the Pregnancy Resource Center in our town.  I met so many young women who were there for pregnancy and parenting education.  The center has a great system of educating the young women.  All the young mothers must earn their mommy dollars by showing up for classes and completing and turning in homework.   There is a great store in the center......there they can find anything from diapers to baby beds which can be bought with those mommy dollars.  Some women from the local churches make beautiful baby quilts.    So they're learning to take care of themselves during their pregnancy, to care for their babies and to take responsibility at the same time.

Each girl who comes into the center is counseled and every girl hears the gospel.  These girls come from all walks of life and some of their stories will break your heart.  But they all find love and acceptance and the love of God at the pregnancy center.

Even though I had to stop volunteering for now due to family obligations, we continue to attend their fundraising banquet each year.  Our hearts are always touched, but this year I was particularly happy to see one of the girls who delivered preemie twins while I was working at the center.  They were such precious infants, so small that they fit into the same car seat....so cute!  I had a picture and of course can't find it now.  But man have they grown!!!

Their mama is a very special young lady.  She also has an older child. While she was pregnant with the twins, she attended classes at the Pregnancy Center and went to nursing school......she never missed a day of school even though the twins were born during her time in school.  She's a wonderful success story and a great example of redemption!  I was so excited to see her and her children.

I hope someday to be there volunteering again.

O.K. now I think I'll go actually spend time talking with the husband!