New Car Cleaning

November 17th, 2012

I'm loving the view outside this beautiful Saturday afternoon.  Not only is it perfect weather but my girl is out with her dad…cleaning every square inch of her "new" to her car. Remember your first car?

She's a great sport. I followed her around for a few minutes snapping iphone pictures while she scrubbed and squeezed the floors, seats and dashboard. Both of us were giggling so hard at the silliness of it. But, really. We're feeling so happy to have this car.

This morning, she and hubby went straight to the DMV and switched over the title and ordered her tag.  Then it was off to the store for car cleaning supplies.  You know, everybody needs new car stuff when you're making it your own!?

I don't think there will be a smidgen of dust or grime when they get finished.

I love all the determination she's showing, don't you?  How long do you think she'll keep it clean?  I won't show pictures of her room.  Nope, not doing it.

What are you thankful for today?  I hope God is blessing you wherever you are and that you know every single moment of your life is in HIS hands!  Enjoy this weekend, friends.  Thanksgiving is only days away.  What a special time of year!

         

      

 

 Isn't she beautiful?

 

 

A Whoa Day

November 15th, 2012

I woke up this morning and realized I only have 1 week until Thanksgiving! Yikes! That's nothing to bawk at for people like me…who have not done the big turkey food shopping.

I need grocery store time, people. Don't you wish they'd just open the store for you and only you? If you're like me, we could get some serious shopping done. Right?

Must make groceries my next priority!

On my way to school each day this week…I've noticed the gas prices going back up. I thought it was cool to see $2.97 but I literally screamed when it said $3.49 this morning!! Whoa, rise on up crazy gas prices!

Seriously, who can keep up with this economy?

It's becoming a more shocking world every day. No matter the circumstance it seems the extreme is the norm. But not to Jesus. He's always steady. He's always alert and never surprised. Aren't you thankful?

I am so glad my Lord is in control. Groceries & gas are good reminders that He is the ultimate in caring for His children. Only He can turn water into wine and little incomes into stretched positive budgets!

Whoa. God is good!

Birthdays & Growing Up

November 14th, 2012

My youngest turned 18 on Friday. She’s still just a punk to me.

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The whole baby growing up stuff has simply been on my “ignore” list. I know I know….bad idea. It’s days like today that rough me up and remind me, I’m old and so are my kids!

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Little moments that I share with them give me hope that they’re going to be fun parents/spouses too.

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Oh who puts fake moustaches on their dog? My family, that’s who. Remember…we also dressed one up like a jail prisoner.

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Clearly, we have no shame.

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I’m so excited that not only did Gates celebrate turning 18 at home with her family & favorite meal. She also is the new owner of this—–>

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Wow!! Talk about a great birthday.

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Girlfriend will finally have her own wheels. Which really means, I’ll have my own wheels. Isn’t that how it is for moms? We share our “stuff”?

She is really happy. Even though it’s an older model SUV, it’s in great condition and will do everything she needs it to do. GO GO GO!

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What a big step for her. Now she can be free to get a job (out of town) and not have to stress out over how she will get there. Sharing cars is quite challenging ya know?

I’m so thankful for the way God blessed us (her) with the car. It belonged to a friend who upgraded to a VW bug and offered it to us at a great price.

B L E S S I N G !!

In 4 short weeks this surprise baby will be finishing up her high school life. I’m filled with joy & sadness both. Time doesn’t stand still in parenting and I’m facing these hurdles with my best smile on. I’m proud of my girl and I know God has plans for her. Big ones!

I love you Miss Gates!! Happy Birthday!

Snowy November Day

November 13th, 2012

It was back to school for me today.  For those who say doing something you haven't done in a while is like "riding a bicycle" you pick right back up…..certainly never meant that in regards to the ol' ball-n-chain!

It was hard.  I started out my busy morning, late.  Not a great way to begin my first day back.  Especially since I had morning duty.  S T R E S S F U L !!  Oh and it was raining too.  Rain or any sudden weather change causes some sort of evil traffic reaction here in my town and today was no exception.  I sat in traffic for over 15 minutes and I live right beside the school.  I may have screamed from the driver's seat.  I'm not proud!  I also drove off without my cellphone.  That was the whipped cream on top of the hurried morning.

By 8:45am, I felt completely overwhelmed and out of my element.  I really don't know how much longer I can keep up.  Working is really cramping my style.  I am a much better home mama.  I admit, school stresses me out.

So, I heard from a few students that it was snowing outside.  Which really made me bummed because I'm in an inside classroom (no windows for me).  By the time I was out of my room…the snow had stopped and was nothing but cold wet spots.  I'm not going to let it wreck the whole day though.  I think having a shot of snow today in the middle of November is a reminder to stop and see the beauty God sends our way.  Even if things are a bit hairy.  Enjoy the fresh smell of cold snow and see all the hope and possibilities it represents.  Snow to me….says, He makes all things new!

What makes you giddy with excitement?

Why Are LIBERALS So Mean?

November 11th, 2012

This past Friday was my girl Gates' birthday.  She turned 18!  A milestone birthday.  But she didn't want to go to school and share her joy with anyone.  She wanted to stay home and hide from her friends.  She felt ill at the thought of facing any of them.  Strange, for a social butterfly type kid.  I knew something was wrong.

Remember your teenage years?

It's not easy hanging out with friends who think & believe differently than you.  The Bible reminds us that we are to "love one another" even when we disagree.  I've tried to make that a life lesson a time or twenty while raising my kids.  Love people, even if you don't like what they are doing or saying.  

Sadly, that's not the same treatment my girl recieved when dealing with this particular group of friends.  They are ruthless and downright mean-spirited.  But, I'm not surprised!  This years election has brought out the claws in many people.  I don't know if you read or see the celeb twitter world at all…but during and after the election, the mean tweets were pretty disgusting!  What I'm finding is that this talk and behavior is seemingly normal among liberal thinking people.  Teen kids included.

How very sad.

I just can't understand it.  Why be so mean?  What good does it do anyone?  Even with the outcome of the Presidential election, liberal voters still choose to use mean comments and critical humor.  I can't even imagine where our world will be in just 10 more years.  People are throwing goodness and compassion right out the window…..just because of their political following.

I'm ashamed!

I did not vote for President Obama nor do I believe him to be the worthy candidate for the office of President.  However, I will not trash-talk him or call him names.  I will not bash his family or criticize his kids/wife and I certainly won’t tweet disgusting insults about him.  Too bad that isn’t the thinking of those on the democratic team.  It’s war!

I just have a message for those who think this kind of behavior is appropriate.  Take it or leave it.  These are my feelings.

Dear Mean One,

Before you open your mouth and shout insults at your friends or neighbors for voting for "the other guy", don't!  They have the same rights that you do.  This country is a democracy (a government by the people…).  Each of us have the opportunity to vote & live & have a say into how our country is managed.  Engaging in open hostility towards those who vote or see things differently than you is outrageous.  It's not only unkind….it's rude!

How would you like it if the table was turned?

Lucky for us (Americans), we have the choice to support the person we deem most appropriate for government offices.  If you disagree with the person next to you…WHO CARES?  Keep it to yourself.  It's not going to do anyone a bit of good if you blast them for it.  Matter of fact, it's going to cause friction and hurt feelings.  Unless that's what your intentions are….don't do it.  Being a jerk just makes you look unintelligent.

Be nice or go away.

If you are someone that takes a jab at other's for voting differently than you, rethink your actions.  Could you be a little kinder or use a better tactic?  Maybe skip the whole debate conversation altogether?  It's not bringing opposing teams together and it's absolutely not honoring God.  Be the better person and zip your lip.  Hurting a friend is not worth it.

1 Peter 2:17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
 


 

 

 

Flying High

November 8th, 2012

I’m so stoked!! I’m waiting at Orlando international airport for my flight home.

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Since its after 12, I’m listening to Rush and watching for them to call zone 6.

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Hello Mr Pilot man. Let’s go!!

Looking forward to riding the Disney Express back to cool temps and the best family in the whole world.

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These boots are ready to run.

I have to share my trip to the airport today. My favorite cousin (Lucy) traveled to pick me up. She and I were very close growing up and experienced much of the same “not so nice” treatment. We talked a bit about the lives we’ve been blessed to have with our own kids. Each of us agree, we are survivors and are better moms because of our pasts.

There’s always a silver lining to trouble. It’s up to us to find it.

I love you Lucy Goose. Thank you for being such a happy person and loving even the unlovable. You’re an inspiration!!