Shhh...don't tell anyone!

...cause the more people you tell, the less chance I have to win this...

Isn't this great? I promise I'll invite y'all over to watch MY Georgia 'Dawgs whoop up on...well, just about anyone they play! Or we can pop in a really good chick flick and make us lots of popcorn with tons of melted butter and Lawry's seasoning salt! Yummy!

...but since you're in my close circle of friends, I'll let you in on this opportunity too! Go here to enter! ...and if you win, I know you'll invite me over too, right?!

I would not, could not!

After a full day of (still) working on Band Booster things, I decided I would make Pepper Steak over rice for dinner. Last week, a friend gave me some vegetables from her garden that included two big squash. I thought I would saute' some beautiful yellow squash to go along with our colorful pepper steak that included red and green peppers. It smelled wonderful!

When we sat down to dinner, neither one of my "boys" would even try the squash!!!

You do not like them,

So you say,

Try them! Try them!

And you may.

Try them and you may, I say.

With heads turned away and lips clenched tight,

they both refused to even take a bite!

(Now that was an unintentional rhyme that made me laugh out loud!)

Oh well...I ate it and it was delicious! I think I've just come to the realization that finicky little boys grow up to be finicky old men!

The Journey...

As I sit and reflect on this past year of blogging, never did I think I would make such wonderful friends on this journey. I started this blog to keep up with friends in Georgia (all but one [Dianne] have stopped blogging) and also to post pictures and things for family. I never dreamed that my circle of blogging friends would grow as much as it has, which has caused my "cup to run over"! So many of you have grown to mean so much to me. I look forward to checking in on you, seeing how your day went, what's going on in your life, things I can pray with you and for you about, and some to even meet face-to-face beyond this computer screen and the images we share.

We've passed around blogging awards between our circle of friends which reminds me to thank Dianne for the Reflection award, Lynne for the Creative and Thoughtful award, and Melodye for the Thinking award. The thing is, I would give each of these girls these awards right back, cause they mean so much to me!

But what's been on my heart and in my thoughts and prayers so much lately is the award (gift) that is the most important in life. If there is one thing I would hope to accomplish through this blog is that I somehow reflect the love of God and the immeasurable gift He gave each one of us by sending His only Son to die on the cross for our sins, which paved the way for us to have eternal life with Him in heaven.

My heart has been so burdened lately by all those that cross my path each and every day that are lost. Here is something I read recently that has remained as a big lump in my throat and a burden on my heart...

"If you saw a blind man walking straight toward the edge of a cliff, what would you do?"

Well, my answer was that I would immediately run and try to stop him from walking off the edge.

Yet, each and every day, I wave to my neighbors and never wonder if a tragedy will occur in their lives that day and they won't return home...and I have failed to share the Good News of the Gospel with them. And I think of my blogging friends, and how I'm sure I've failed to communicate the grace and mercy of our Lord and this precious gift He has given to any and all out there that might be reading this.

So now, I want to pass on to you the greatest "award" you can ever receive and that is to be welcomed into the family as a child of God and to have a firm and assured hope of spending eternity with Him. Please go here to read how you can say a simple sinner's prayer and receive Christ into your heart and life. There is also a wonderful web site here with more information on receiving Christ or for those who are Christians that want to learn how to share their faith more effectively.

I love you my friends, and I plead with you, if you have never heard the Good News and/or have never accepted Christ into your heart, please don't wait another moment...for we have not been promised tomorrow.

Checking in...

Y'all, I'm here, I'm just covered up! Gary and I are Band Booster Presidents again this year and I have been so busy with that! Last week we had Rookie Camp and this next week is full band camp. I have so much to do still before Monday that I'm wondering how I can get it all done! I will have to force myself to stay away from Blogville, but just know that when I can get my chin above water, I will post about my quick trip to Atlanta to surprise my mom for her birthday, and I will return all the "meme's" and Blogger "reflection" and "thinking blogger" and "creative blogger" awards given by all my friends! Oh! and yeah, I'll post pictures of the pies I've been making lately too! I've been stressed and I needed some chocolate and I've also practiced a little hospitality and took a pie to our new military neighbors!

See you in a few...

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. She's turning 69 years old, if you can believe that! She recently lost my Dad to cancer after almost 50 years of marriage. She's served on the Mission Field both out of the country when we were missionaries in Brazil and as a minister's wife when my dad traveled as an Evangelist after we returned to the U.S. She's raised 4 children and keeps grandkids too! She continues to serve faithfully by teaching Sunday School and also serves as one of the church accompanists. She has more energy than I do at 40 39ish.

Happy Birthday, Mom! I hope you have a wonderful day!

The Choreography of Friendship

Today I had lunch with my dear friend, Jackie. She is one of the few people in my life that from the onset we "clicked" and became fast friends. Jackie has a heart of gold. She is a genuine person. She is beautiful inside and out. When she listens, she really listens, not only with her ears, but with her heart. My hurts become her hurts and my joys, her joys.

It's been about two months since we've had lunch together...something we tried to do once a week or once every other week when school was in session. She has had a full plate this summer since one of her daughter's just graduated high school and is preparing to go to college, the other daughter is getting married in October at the beach, and her son is currently out of the country on an International Study Program. I, too, have been busy with work and things at the school and just life in general.

But today we made time to visit for lunch at our favorite "girly" place. It's a beautiful dance when these two kindred spirits get together! One will "lead" and talk, talk, talk, catching up on everything, while the other eats a while, and then the "lead" will shift while the other eats, and talks, and eats and talks. And it seems like only an hour or so has passed when she glances up at the clock and says, "oh my! guess what time it is?!" Ummm, I don't know...1:30ish? Y'all, we met a few minutes after 11:30 a.m. to beat the lunch rush and sat and talked until almost 3:30!

When we parted, my tummy was full and my heart was "full-er" (okay, I know that's not really a word, all you grammar experts!). But I thanked God for my dear friend, and promised myself I would not allow two months to pass before we met again for a girly "session".

True friendships are to be treasured and I treasure you, my sweet Jackie Sue!

Friend or Foe?

Tonight our pastor preached a very powerful sermon on blasphemy. Webster's defines blasphemy as this:

1: the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God; the act of claiming the attributes of deity

2: irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable

The scripture he referenced was Ephesians chapter 5 with special emphasis on verse 4, which reads, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." He played a video which was incredibly thought provoking and I will add the link at the bottom of this post. But what struck home with me is how complacent and almost "immune" we've become to Hollywood, through films and television, using the Lord's name in vain. I'm guilty of watching movies (renting, cause we rarely, if ever, go to the movie theatre) that contain foul language and when I hear them use the Lord's name in vain, I might shutter and say "I hate that" but do I turn the movie off? No. And if I don't take a stand against things like this, am I a friend of the world or a foe? The Bible says in James 4:4 (paraphrasing)to be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God.

I want you to watch the video clip on this web site and then leave me your thoughts. You can also add the link to your sidebar.

Always an adventure!

Being a mom is one of the hardest, but most rewarding jobs in the world. There is nothing that has given me more joy than to watch my son grow and mature. I think, as parents, we're never really prepared for what's around the corner. When I took that bundle of joy home 17 years ago, the hospital didn't give me a "how to" manual.

It has continued to be one great adventure after another! I knew, as he was growing, I would have to tell him to not put Cheerios up his nose, or run with scissors, and quit giggling with that little girl during the Pledge of Allegiance, and no, we can't fill the bathtub with Jello Jigglers, and stop bouncing the ball in the house, and no, you cannot tie a rope to the back of the car and skateboard! The list could go on and on!

But never in a million years, did I ever think I was going to utter the words I said last night...

"You are NOT getting a monkey!"

All's well that 'ends' well!

Pun intended.

Thank you, my dear friends, for saying a prayer for hubby the other morning. Everything was fine with his tests and he won't have to go through that for another 10 years! Those of you that have been through that were right in saying that drinking the stuff was the roughest part. Woah! He struggled with drinking the whole jug and then boy, did it ever kick in! Bless his, ummm, heart.

His appointment the next morning was at 8:30 a.m. and we didn't leave there until 12:30 p.m.! They finally took him back at 10:00 a.m., then he said they gave him the "happy juice" around 11:00 a.m. and that was the last thing he remembered! They called me back a little after 12 noon as they were trying to wake him up.

Now, that, my friends, was a site! This is a man that has never had a drop of alcohol in his life and he was muttering and slurring his words like he had gone to sleep with a bottle of Vodka! It was hilarious. I couldn't help it---I was doubled over laughing, at the side of his bed, while they were shaking him and calling his name. They must have thought, "hmm, some loving, compassionate wife he's got!"

Those big green eyes finally opened and he didn't have a clue what had just transpired! I was glad he was okay, but could not quit giggling at how "out of it" he was.

Sidenote: I finally got back to sleep the other night by the honking like a gaggle of geese gentle, soothing sounds of my hubby's snoring. Then I slept until 11:00 a.m. The guys are at the Biscuits vs. the Mississippi Braves game tonight and I just woke up from a power nap. I had my jammies on at 5:15 p.m. and was in la-la land by 6:oo and slept almost two hours. I'm sure I've messed up now! Maybe I need to get someone to come and flip me upside down by my heels like that old wives' tale about babies who have their days and nights mixed up. Oh well...guess I'll just check in on all my blogger friends and catch up on what ya'll are doing!

By the way, a very special thank you to the word "gaggle". It's a funny word that I don't get to use often and so I was determined to work it in. And an even bigger thanks to my "grasshopper" friend, Melodye, over at MorningSong...without you, I wouldn't know how to strike through words which is going to become my new favorite bloggy tool!

P.S. I have not forgotten the restaurant meme tag by Sandi at Whistlestop Cafe. I'm working on it!

Definitely Not Prime Time

Did you know there's nothing good on t.v. at 4:00 a.m.?! I just don't know how I've lived 40 years without the pill that relieves crankiness; or that wonderful iron that presses so beautifully and steams your clothes and drapes in half the time all while you cook an entire chicken at the press of a button! And to think of the treasures I'm missing out on while at the beach! Crazy me usually just lays there and tries to sun myself to a golden brown, but I could be using a metal detector to search for buried treasure and lose weight all at the same time! And all the money I've wasted on doctors over the years when I could have been self-diagnosing and self-treating with that wonderful cure-all book. And my poor back, luggin' my Eureka vacuum around instead of carrying that feather lite one. And the horrors thinking of what's in the air I breathe! I'm calling right now to get on the waiting list for my motorized wheelchair. A girl can never plan too far ahead! Now here's something I can use, dial-a-number sleep system...

...seems I've been calling the wrong number lately!

Ahhh, yes, miles to go before I sleep.

The O.C.D. kicks in...

I spent all day today cleaning and organizing the home office. My desk had gotten way out of control and my bookshelves were just piled high! Zack even got in on the action and decided to clean his desk and computer area and organize all his computer cords (without any prompting from me!).

Hubby spent the day drinking some nasty clear liquid for his colonoscopy (sp?) tomorrow morning. Bless his heart! Say a prayer for him in the morning. He is NOT looking forward to this appointment!

Now, I'm exhausted and going to bed...but it feels so good to be organized again!

Reflecting...

This beautifully written post by Antique Mommy reminded me so much of my Dad. So, I thought I would go back in my archives and find this post I wrote about his dementia before he passed away October 2006.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006 (original post date)

Man in the Mirror

Man in the Mirror
This is my Dad. He is merely a reflection of the man he used to be. I wonder what he sees when he looks in the mirror. I wonder who he sees when he looks in the mirror. Does he see the "tough guy" Italian boxer he used to be? Does he see the officer that served in the Army and the Navy? Does he see the missionary that selflessly gave of his life to serve on the mission field in Brazil? Does he still see the preacher that said he will only retire the day he dies? Could it be that he sees the invalid whose body is giving out only second to his mind that dementia is stealing from him every day? I wonder, as he looks at himself in the mirror, which one of these men is staring back at him?

You see, my 78 year old father had a stroke several years ago, suffers with prostate cancer, diabetes and dementia. I believe the physical things would be easier to handle, it’s the mental that breaks my heart. He often speaks of his days in the military, and can recall names of those he fought and triumphed over in the boxing ring, but tell him of a family vacation, a special occasion, something as simple as what he just had for dinner and there is nothing but emptiness. Emptiness in the eyes that used to twinkle with mischief. Emptiness in the eyes that could change just as quickly from anger to love and forgiveness as the direction of the wind. My dad has always been the "go to" guy when it came to questions about the Bible. He could recall and quote more Scripture than anyone I’ve ever known. How could it be that all of that is lost? Is it not hidden in his heart? I choose to believe it is locked away in some corner of his mind in which he no longer has the key.

For to me, he is still my Dad, the tough Italian boxer, the selfless missionary, the "go to" guy. Even though he is empty, those things live on in his children. Thank you, Dad, I love you.

Who do we see when we look in the mirror? Do we see a reflection of our Heavenly Father? Or is the image staring back filled with self-centeredness and pride? Do we mirror our Father’s example by practicing the Fruits of the Spirit? Sometimes I wonder what my Heavenly Father thinks when He looks at my reflection. I am so thankful His eyes are filled with unconditional love and immeasurable grace. Lord, help me to reflect You to a lost world. Let me be Your hands and feet.

Not as young as we used to be...

and that's why it takes two days to recover!

We had a great 4th at the beach. We were scheduled to leave by 7:00 a.m. with a carload of teenagers, but ended up having to wait until 7:45 a.m. for two of them to arrive. But all was good...we had our toes in the sand by 10:30!

We went back down to Perdido Key and spent the day on the beach. The sun was in and out behind some serious clouds and we did have off and on rain, but we still had a great time. The kids all went to Bahama Bob's (in Gulf Shores) for dinner because they wanted to eat on ther own, while Gary and I headed to Lambert's, but ended up at Mellow Mushroom because Lambert's was closed!

Then we went right out onto the beach in front of Bahama Bob's to watch the 9:00 p.m. fireworks show off the pier in Gulf Shores. It was great! I have to say that there is no better place to spend the 4th and watch fireworks than on the beach!

Then the guys put on their own fireworks show for us with the almost $200 worth of fireworks they bought. They were also entertaining others on the beach that hung around to watch! It was so much fun and I the kids really enjoyed themselves.

We left the beach much later than intended (about 11:15 p.m.) and got home at 2:00 a.m.!!! That was rough! It has taken me and hubby two days to recover!

Click here if you're interested in seeing pictures, but fair warning...there are ALOT of pictures and there were a few times the kids had the camera and were just clicking away!

Hope all my friends out there had a great 4th! I will be catching up with y'all in the next day or two! (By the way, for all who may not know, that is NOT us in the picture...it's just an old couple that made me laugh, but isn't it sweet that they are still holding hands---check out her purse too!)

Celebrate America!

Happy 4th to all my friends. I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating America's freedom and don't forget to breathe a prayer for those continuing to fight to defend our freedom. May we never take it for granted.

We're heading back down to Perdido with Zack and 5 of his friends. Have a happy and safe 4th and we'll see you when we return!

(P.S. please say a prayer for my mom who is home suffering with a pinched sciatic (sp?) nerve and in alot of pain)

A Smashing Good Time!

Well, Zack has had a weekend full of birthday celebrations! I didn't want to spoil the post about his birthday yesterday by posting what happened yesterday afternoon, so here goes...

He was at a friend's house after lunch yesterday and they were going to meet some more of their friends for his birthday celebration dinner last night. He had been at his friend's house for about two hours when I got a phone call, "uh, mom...I'm okay, but my car is crashed!" WHAT??? You've got to be kidding me?!

So, I rushed over there, surveyed the damage and then we called the police. Apparently, someone hit his car (which was parked curbside in front of his friend's house) and they didn't stop or leave a note or anything. The boys were inside playing video games and never heard a crash or noise or anything. When they went outside to leave is when they noticed his car had been hit.

Interestingly enough, the neighbor's driveway across the street lined up right where someone could have hit Zack's car backing out of the driveway. There was no colored paint on Zack's car. There was a big white truck in the neighbor's driveway across the street. Hmmmm.

No neighbors admitted to seeing or hearing anything.





Nice police officer says, "don't mean to discourage you, ma'am, but we rarely catch hit and runs". Well, thank you very much Mr. Sunshine!

Hubby spent the day getting estimates and talking to the insurance company. $1800 worth of damage---smashing good news.

Happy Birthday, Zack!

At exactly 10:46 p.m. Eastern Time on July 1st, 1990, you entered this world and breathed new life into mine. I never knew a love so deep. My heart was so full of love and adoration--it was a feeling of completeness, but yet I had never realized there was a void before you filled it. You have given me the greatest gift of motherhood. Anything I ever aspired to be before I gave birth to you, was of little significance. The tiny treasure looking up at me with the biggest deep blue eyes revealed what was most important in my life and that was being a mom to you. You were always so full of wonder, constant curiosity, questions, mischief, overly dramatic in your expressions and always a camera hog. Not much has changed about that in 17 years!

I remember how you loved all the baby Mickey's and Minnie's that were in your nursery; how you used to scoot your walker over to the Christmas tree and single-handidly "un-decorate" the bottom two feet of the tree; how you used to hum along with Nana when she rocked you; how it seems you were born loving baseball and continue to 'till this day; how you adored your cousin, Taylor, and were always trying to take care of her, entertain her and make her laugh (again, not much has changed there!); how you used to open your mouth real big when you sang and really enunciated each and every syllable; your first day of school, what a big guy you were, while I fought back tears long enough to get back in the car; how you were and have always been such a grateful child; how you used to always want to be right in the middle of things (like when Dianne and I would be talking and you would try to wiggle your way inbetween the front seats of the car so you could hear better!)...there are so many memories of your childhood that have shaped you into the wonderful guy you are today...I could go on and on.

You are smart, responsible, tender-hearted, honest, polite, handsome, a hard worker, and still a very grateful child. I am so proud of the man you are becoming, but a part of me wants that little snuggle bug back to do it all over again. You have been such a joy to raise and I'm finding it hard to watch you fly. Mama wants to keep you in the nest as long as I can...but I know that I can't clip your wings, because watching you fly and soar higher and higher will be my greatest accomplishment and I look forward to what the Lord has in store for your future. You are my heart. I love you Zack---Happy Birthday!

(Below are a few photos. My scanner is not working, so I had to take pictures of pictures. Some are blurry and some have the flash spot on them, but it's the only way I could get them posted!)

first Christmas...

first haircut...

Helping Ed Mangan rake the Braves pitcher's mound before our first World Series game.

First day of Preschool at New Hope and graduation from preschool...

Fun with the bubble gun...

Taking the "catcher's stance" and showing off a big, bad tattoo!

Pretending to shave...

First day of school at Landmark and kindergarten graduation (pretending to talk on the cell phone)

part of photo shoot for "Kiddin' Around" Modeling Agency in Atlanta

One of many trips to Disney World, but the first for our new family

The whole crew...

Vacation in West Palm Beach...

Southbeach in Miami...

In the mountains of Gatlinburg...

Beach in Turks and Caicos Islands...

16th Birthday at the Spaghetti Factory (Atlanta)

New car for 16th birthday...

Drum Major award...

At a friend's house in Atlanta...

17th birthday, Georgia Aquarium...

After dinner at ESPN Zone we went to Cheesecake Factory for dessert!

Happy 17th Birthday Zack!