I Remember

September 11th, 2011

Like every other American, I remember exactly where I was. I was getting dressed for my church’s first women’s Bible Study (and I was the teacher). My husband was in Louisville, Ky. attending seminary classes. Our little brood of babes were safely tucked into their elementary school classrooms.

I stepped out of the shower and heard Jon & Sherry on KLove say something was terribly wrong in NYC. Quickly, I turned on my television and stood in shock as the images flashed across the screen. Like most I’ve spoken with about it….I thought it couldn’t be real. Nothing like this could be happening, in real life. Maybe in a movie, but not in my world.

Looking back, 10 years later. I see my world with such different eyes. My children don’t remember a USA that wasn’t so vocal about terrorism. Life for everyone changed that horrible day.

Over the weekend, I’ve watched hours of 9-11 footage. I sat in awe as I watched 102 Minutes on the History channel. It was raw and real but full of incredible acts of humanity. I’ve always known I lived in the greatest country….on days like today–I’m beyond proud to be an AMERICAN!!

Dear God–
You are the King of Peace. Reign down on our world your goodness and mercy. Thank you for the strength of the people in America. Remind us, everyday…that you are our only hope!

Amen

BLUE FRIDAY

September 9th, 2011

In honor of Blue Friday, I think it’s only appropriate for Colts fans (like me) to take a moment blogpost of silence. Last night’s awful news of our beloved QB Peyton Manning and his third neck surgery have forced me into a big boohoo of sadness! As was reported, it is very likely that #18 will not return to the playing field at all this season. I’m speechless and uber sad!

I know it’s just football, ya’ll! But seriously! I LOVE THE COLTS!!! This will now be a totally different team with a new Quarterback. Let’s just hope Kerry Collins can step into such a role! {Wishing him the best!}

Sunday/Monday football just won’t be the same at my house.

So, don’t mind me…I’ll just be wearing my blue and cheering my team on anyway!

God bless #18! GET WELL SOON, Peytie Pie!

Dad Rules

September 8th, 2011

Maybe you’ve bumped into this post out in the blog world already. If you haven’t, you must read it! I promise…..you’ll love it! It’s all about dad’s and the rules for fathering a daughter. Be prepared to giggle, tear up and remember your own daddy relationship.

For some (like myself) that relationship wasn’t as special as it should have been. I remember my dad being there up until the death of my little brother. After that, it was just the two of us. My mom did her best, but being a single mom isn’t the ideal situation. I missed out on so many things that little girls shouldn’t have to. Sadly, I was also a victim of other people’s sins.

I don’t own the shame that comes from that abuse. However, I do wear the scars in my heart from the innocence that was stolen. It happens. More often than you’d think. Children, especially misplaced children are easy targets for the sick in our world. Daddies have the power to protect the girls they father.

Mine could not do that.

For my own beautiful girls, God had special plans. He custom created the best daddy in the world. One who would be madly in love with them. Nothing they could ever do or say could stop him from that. He has always teased about snippin’ a notch in their ears at the hospital to keep anyone from trying the old switcharoo. Instead, he chose to stick right with them the entire time. That, he did. (Our son, too) None of our children were ever out of his sight.

Over the years (in 8 days–married 22 years) I’ve felt a sort of redemption for my own childhood. Mine was full of turmoil and pain. I grew up thinking love was conditional and costly. All things that are foreign to my kids. While they can surely point out parenting errors, I know each of them cherish their dad & I. They have known love, protection and trust everyday of their lives. God surely makes beauty from ashes. I’m living proof.

Today, I see my past as a gravel road to a victorious life. One that could only be orchestrated by God. He knew what I needed. While I didn’t experience the warm fuzzy love of a daddy…..I’ve stood witness to that in my own children’s lives. I see now, what a real dad is. A blessing to me and to them.

I can’t leave without sharing this link. It’s just another daddy making it his goal to rock his little girl’s world (as long as he can get away with it). Hehe! If you have a daddy in your life that has blessed you and loved you with his whole heart–Don’t forget to let him know what he means to you.

Ok, one more link, just in case you haven’t had enough “love those daddy” tears.

God,
Thank you for the dad you’ve given me (in my husband). While he can never change my past…he’s certainly blessed my future.
Amen

Thought Candy

September 7th, 2011

I’m stuck. It’s only Wednesday and I’m already dreaming of the weekend. I try to psyche myself out and just cope….but I suppose I’m just one of those people. My life revolves around weekends! Ha!

I couldn’t resist posting some fun Pinterest finds. So read on, my friends and enjoy! Besides, who doesn’t need some inspiration?

How’s that for a hump day post? Lamecakes, I know! Sorry. I’ll be back tomorrow with something profound! Just you wait and see people! Until then. Be happy….the week is half over.

PS–If you click on the picture, it will enlarge so you can see the whole thing (as in the 1990 pix). I really do think 1990 was just 10 years ago. Hello, I have a son born in 1990!

Hoarders Meatball Style

September 5th, 2011

I have this friend (or should I say, I thought we were friends). She makes a mean meatball. I’ve even watched her do it, so really I have no excuse as to why I can’t replicate the recipe. Other than….I didn’t watch that closely. She could’ve put anything in the bowl when I wasn’t looking. And let’s be honest here, I didn’t feel the need to watch her every move. Hello? We’re friends.

Now, I suffer for it.

Because said friend has this death clinch on her meatball recipe. I sent her an email asking nicely for a little direction. No response (I forgive her for being “too busy”) then I resorted to using one of my kids as a messenger. What I heard back…..disturbs me even now.

“She’s praying about it!”.

Whaaaaa?

Oh girl! It’s on like a donkey kong now! 😉

Nobody puts baby in the corner over a meatball recipe! I think someone’s forgotten who the photog was of a certain preggo picture way back in seminary days. Hint: M E !!! I don’t want to have to resort to blackmail. So, I’ll just throw this out there…

Hand over the rockin meatball recipe or else I’ll be forced to search through my many pictures of the old days and post them loud and clear here on MY BLOG!!

Don’t make me get crazy!

P.S.
Do I need to bring up WHITE TRASH CHICKEN? I have no ability to stop myself from guilting you into sharing. So just have mercy…

Look how things went all because you HAD TO PRAY about it.

The leftovers

I would rank them in the mediocre category. Anyone could’ve whipped them up. While I’ll never be the meatball expert you are…..no one turned them away and I even had a few leftover. Someday, when I grow up–I hope to make some as yummy as yours.

Love,
Creator of WTC (don’t hate)!!

A Seriously New Day

September 5th, 2011

I’m almost ashamed to admit this…..I was beginning to believe that it would never be cool again. Yes, I live in Indiana and of course we have a big snow season here. But the heatwave had stolen my hope, ya’ll! I can’t remember it ever being so miserably hot as it has been this summer. Sticky gacky H O T !!

The crazy thing about Indiana weather is if you don’t like how it feels today, just stick around it’ll be different tomorrow! Well, today is yesterday’s tomorrow and IT IS DIFFERENT!! Ya’ll, the windows are open…the a/c is off and the sweatpants are on!

It’s not just cool….IT IS COLD! The high will be 70 today and I am so stinkin excited! Forget what I said about topping August in my last post. This weather is my new best friend. I just hope that wherever you are–that you’re feeling it too!

This is seriously a new day. Enjoy your Labor Day, friends. It’s back to work tomorrow.