Hangin' at the Beach

Almost a month since I've checked in with blog world. There never seems to be enough moments in my day. God has been faithful, though to teach me many things in this last month. He has been pruning this daughter of His, sometimes painfully so

He has spent many weeks teaching me about what kind of power is in my tongue. Very hard lessons and painful pruning have shown me that I have spoken death more often than life with my tongue. I have had God bound..He hasn't been ALLOWED to work in this daughter's life!!

Then He has spent time showing me two doors. One door that is leading to His perfect will for my life, and the other door which leads to the world and the plans satan has for me. He has shown me that I've often not chosen the door of Life, but the easy way of the world.

Now He is in the process of teaching me that my mind is often my worst enemy and my biggest problem. This is, so far, proving to be the toughest lesson yet!

But for today, He has blessed with a period of rest. In His faithfulness, He has provided me, DH, DD and DS with an entire week away at the beach. Never have we been able to be away for an entire week and this could not have come at a more perfect time!!

Even in my time of correction, even in my time of pruning, God is loving me and in His wisdom, has given His daughter a time of refreshing.

So, I pray all is going well for my bloggy friends, who, even though I'm not in touch with as often, I do think about, pray for and read your posts...for now though, I'm going to join my family on the beach and enjoy the blessings God is providing!

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. Have you ever been so lost that you were really afraid?

I remember one time....My FIL had gotten burnt really bad and was in the burn unit at a large hospital in a large city where we lived. We stayed with him until we had to leave at 11 pm that night. Unfamiliar with the area, we found ourselves in the.....'wrong part of town'...trying to get to the interstate. Stopped at a red light, we were really nervous. To the drivers side of the car, we noticed a man walking up to the window and he didn't appear to be needing directions. DH floored it, we ran the red light and got out of Dodge!!!

2. Have you ever been to an island?

Nope.

3. Are you more of a thinker or feeler?

I tend to think waaay too much!! That's probably the greatest cause of most of my problems..

4. Do you tend to see issues or situations in life as black and white or shades of gray?

Black and white, most certainly. In all honesty, there are few areas that are gray when you look at them in light of God's Word.

5. If you were stuck on an island, what book would you hope to have with you (Let's pretend the Bible is already there, so you can't say that.)

Well....I would want a book that would make me aware of the vegetation and life on the island so I could make it until help arrived!!

6. What are you most afraid of?

That my teenage/young adult children will make decisions in 'the moment' that will forever change their lives in a negative way.

7. Would you rather lose all of your old memories or never be able to make new ones?

Whoa...........I'd rather keep both!!!

8. Pretend I'm looking at a scrapbook page about you. There are three spaces for you to drop in individual pictures. What are those pictures of, and why did you select them?

My wedding day. The day DD was born and the day DS was born. These were the most wonderful days of my life!!

9. If you were re-doing your wedding, what would you do differently? (If you're single, tell me one thing you would do if you were planning a wedding OR huge party.)

I don't know that I'd do anything differently. We had no money so it was a very simple ceremony at my husband's grandmother's house. Just family and a couple of friends, but so very beautiful...

10. Tell me one thing you know/believe about forgiveness.

That even when the devil is sitting on my shoulder telling me I'm the worst person in the world and God could never love me because of all I've said, done, thought......I know in my heart he's a liar because my Father told me so. My sins are forgotten as far as the east is from the west.

"He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."
Psalm 103:12, NLT

11. You're waiting in a doctor's office. What is your favorite way to pass that time?

People watching!!! I wish their was a way to make money at that, I'd have a fortune!!!

12. If there were a clone of you in a parallel universe what is one way you hope she/he would be the same as you and one way you hope she/he would be better?

I would hope she would be loyal. I am loyal...to a fault. I would hope that she would be a stronger Christian. One who didn't continue to take one step forward and two steps back.

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?"

I've been a huge library fan all of my life and while I've had a few overdue fines, nothing too major!

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts?

I'm pretty organized here. I've got one of those red containers that hold wrapping paper as well as a container that I keep under my bed with bows, bags, tissue paper, ribbon...etc...

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster?

Nope. Of course...there is DD's bedroom....wonder if that classifies as a natural disaster???.......

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song?

I was one of those folks classified strange growing up because I LOVED Barry Manilow...and still do. My favorite song though?? Mandy...nope. I Write the Songs...nope. Looks Like We Made It...nope. Somewhere In the Night...awww heck!!...all of the above and more!!!

5. What's the best costume you've ever worn?

Probably the one that I wear when I roll out of bed every morning. It's ever changing and varies from terrifying to hilarious!!!

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?

Depends. If I'm curious about what something is, the dictionary of course. If I'm writing, the thesaurus.

7. What's your favorite breakfast food?

Scrambled eggs with sausage gravy-----YUMMY!!

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial?

Nope. I actually don't believe any of them....

9. Have you ever crawled through a window?

More times than I care to recall......

10. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Nope. I believe in attraction at first sight. Love takes a lifetime.

11. How man pairs of jeans do you own?

6...but only 3 of them are fitting to wear in public. The other 3 are most definitely around-the-housers...

12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.")

It would be a cake made up of different sections. Each section would connect, but would look and taste different than any of the others. Why? Because it would represent the many different hats I wear and the many different directions I go in a day!!

Remember to leave a comment!!..It will enter you for a chance to win my give-a-way!!

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.
Click here to join us!!

1How do you feel about "Gladiator" sandals, also called "Roman" or "Jesus" sandals? A fashion yea or nay?

I actually kinda like them..however, being the owner of size 11 feet makes finding them a challenge!!

2. What is your favorite pizza?

Canadian Bacon and Pineapple!!

3. There are plans in the works to sell roughly 1,000 items from Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. This means you could buy Picard's chair for your family room. If not a Star Trek item, what prop, background, set, etc. from what TV or movie would you buy if you could?
[Ex: Hurley's "I Love my Shih tzu" shirt from LOST, the plantation home "Tara" from Gone With the Wind, or Tracy's tambourine from the Partridge Family.]

Not a clue. Can't think of a thing.

4. Name a local food or restaurant that your area is famous for.

There is a restaurant where my DH grew up called Lacy's. They make the best ham and cheese sandwich in the world!!!

5. What is your current favorite snack?

Only one??? Okay...nope, gotta give you two....Reese Cups and potato chips...have I mentioned here before that I LOVE potato chips??

6. Hypothetical: You are required to be a reality show contestant. Which show would you choose based on your probability of success? (You cannot choose "none.")

A. Dancing with the Stars
B. Biggest Loser
C. Survivor

Don't Forget the Lyrics. DS and I rock at this show!!!!!!!!!!! But choosing from A, B, or C....would have to be A. Still fighting the weight loss, yo-yo battle and ain't even trying Survivor!



7. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being uninhabitable and 10 being cleanliness that meets the standards of OCD, how clean is your vehicle's interior?

8

8. It doesn't feel like Spring until _________.

I can sit on the porch in the early morning with DH and not need long underwear and a blanket!

9. Something that made you laugh really hard recently is ____.

I can't really remember, but I'm sure it included DS!!

10. Tell me about a goal you're working toward.

Again.. only 1?? Stop fighting against the budget, losing these nasty 55 pounds and spending much more One on one time with my Father!

11. Share a thought-provoking or inspiring quote this week.

"Do you want fire insurance or victory?" Pastor Greg (our pastor!!)

12. Name one thing that you do as a parent that you absolutely know will make your kids happy. If you're not a parent, feel free to substitute "friend" or nomenclature that works for you.

If I'm out and it's Happy Hour at Sonic, I'll get their favorite drink and drop it off where they work! Brings a smile every time!!

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. Define a great relationship.

The one I have with DH....we each give and take, but think more about the other one's feelings..needs..wants, than our own. It's unconditional love and acceptance even when one of us is acting more like a child than an adult.

2. Why is it called a "drive-through" if you have to stop? (Real question: What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?)

Good question!!!....and to part B....a roast beef sandwich from Arby's.

3. As I type this, the Butler Bulldogs are getting ready to play in the NCAA championship game. Every Hoosier is hysterical about this except me. So in honor of the Bulldogs ... what is your favorite breed of dog? (I tried.)

This sweet black lab that is living in my yard. He is the most loyal, beautiful, getting on up in years dog that I've ever known.

4. If you had to move to a state besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?

Tennessee....As a matter of fact, we are looking at property that would give us a very simple 'vacation' home!

5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

Mom and Dad would be saved and I'd have grown up in a Christian home.

6. Who's the funniest person you know?

My son. He just can't help himself. Even when he's trying to be serious it sometimes comes across as hysterical!

7. Did you get enough sleep last night?

Did I get....enough....sleezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

8. What's the first thing you thought about this morning?

The fact that my left leg was contemplating a charley horse.....

9. Grilled or Fried? --HONESTLY

Fried.

10. Are you afraid of the dark?

Nope. I'm afraid of what's in the dark!!

11.When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An English teacher...and I accomplished that and much more. I taught the two most amazing students in the world!!...we homeschooled!!

12. If you had one word to describe yourself , what would you choose?

Loyal

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

This week we have "South Lakes Mom" from "I Didn't Know THAT!" hosting our Random Dozen!

Click here to join us!!

1. What is your favorite sign of Spring?

Waking up in the mornings to the sound of the different birds singing their songs, welcoming the day!

2. Did you remember to spring forward on March 14? If not, how did it impact your day?

Yep. Sure did.

3. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what vegetable would you plant in a garden this year?

Actually, we do plant a garden and there are a few "must haves": tomatoes, cucumbers and crook-necked squash.

4. If soil, time, talent and climate were no problem, what fruit would you plant?

Pineapple....LOTS of pineapple!!!

5. What is your least favorite insect?

Name it. I'm NOT a bug fan at all. (DD is worse than I am!!)

6. March 22 was World Water Day. To celebrate, here are some water questions. Do you drink bottled water? If so, what brand?

Occasionally. Whatever is cheapest.

7. Have you ever been somewhere that it was not safe to drink the local water? If so, how did you handle that?

Nope.

8. How many glasses of water do you drink per day?

It all depends. Could be none. Could be 10 or more or anything in between.

9. March 24 is the birthday of Harry Houdini. Have you ever watched a professional magic show? Share.

Nope.

10. Have you ever been a participant in a professional magic show (up on stage!)?

Nope.

11. March 24 is also the birthday of Steve McQueen and Clyde Barrow. Do you like Westerns or gangster movies? If so, what is your favorite?

Don't like 'em. My dad was a western fanatic and burned me out on them years ago!

12. (Really random) What U.S. state that you've never visited would you like to visit someday?

Hawaii...hands down.

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. On a scale of 1-10, how superstitious are you, honestly?

0. I actually refer to them as "stupidstitions"!!

2. Julius Caesar is quoted as saying, "I came, I saw, I conquered." Which circumstance or experience of yours does this saying best describe?

Well...I truly don't want to take anything away from the blessings God has provided...so I will say that I met, through the grace of God, the challenges, frustrations and tears for over 5 years with fertility treatments. The result--2 beautiful children!!

3. If I peeked in on your day like a mischievous little leprechaun, at what time would I most likely find you blogging?

Most likely it would be between 7 and 9 AM. Right after DH leaves for work and before my teens get out of bed.

4. Re springing forward for Daylight Saving Time, is there anything you've ever been really early or really late for?

Not anything I can think of. I'm almost anal about being on time for everything!!

5. What are you most looking forward to concerning Spring?

Sunshine!!!!!! This has been the cloudiest winter I've known for quite a long time!!

6. Shamrocks are the national flower of Ireland and are picked on St. Patrick's Day and worn on the lapel or shoulder. Do you wear green on St. Patty's Day?

I did when I was in school and when I worked outside my home....oh! and when the kids were little..but not so much anymore.

7. One of Caesar's assassins, Casca, said, "But, for my own part, it was Greek to me," which of course means he didn't understand something. Probably his own lines in the play. Anyway, what is something that is "Greek to you," something incomprehensible or indecipherable?

My husband's job. He is over maintenance at our local hospital and what he tells me about in his day, for the most part, just flies right over my head!!

8. Is March behaving more like a lion or a lamb where you live?

The weather is calm, but rainy and cloudy....so would that be a dirty lamb or a soaked lion??

9. "An extra yawn one morning in the springtime, an extra snooze one night in the autumn is all that we ask in return for dazzling gifts. We borrow an hour one night in April; we pay it back with golden interest five months later." -Winston Churchill. If you had one extra hour per day every day, what would you do with it?

I'd like to think I'd get more accomplished, but if I'm already busy wasting the time I have, I'd probably end up wasting that hour too.

10. Legend says that every Leprechaun has a pot of gold hidden deep in the Irish countryside. Aside from real gold or money, what material item would be in your dream pot of gold?

Oh man...I try so hard to fight the battle of materialism.....but you say I have to pick something.....my dream kitchen...

11. "The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you." Robert Louis Stevenson. Look around you right now and tell us about something essential or beautiful very near you that you take for granted every day.

The time I spend with my husband and children. I try not to take it for granted, but so often I let life get in my way and I put blinders on my eyes and before I know it...so much time has passed by and I don't even remember it.

12. Just for a bit o' fun, click here (www.blogthings.com/irishnamegenerator/) and then report your Irish name. Mine is "Zoe O'Sullivan." I love it!

"Ciara O'Brien"

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. Do you prefer even or odd numbers? Any particular reason?

Umm..well, hadn't thought about it, although I do like to keep my stereo in my car on a volume number that ends in 0 or 5...but then, wouldn't that make me a lover of all numbers????

2. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being "not at all" and 10 being Carly Simon-worthy, how vain are you?

2. Maybe...

3. Among these Irish stereotypes, with which do you identify most closely? Talkative, Proud, Inquisitive, Love to party, Hot-tempered

Hot-tempered. Not only hot-tempered, but quick tempered. Not as bad as I used to be though....something to be said for getting older I guess..

4. How lucky do you consider yourself?

Never lucky. Don't believe in luck. Always blessed.

5. What is the subject of your favorite post that you've written?

Seriously?? Wow. Since I'm my own worst critic this is tough!! Anyway, my favorite post would have to be "Power Outages" and if you read it, you'll find out Who my subject is!!! :o)

6. Describe March weather where you live in three words.

Unpredictably yucky nice. (Yup. That 'bout sums it up!!)

7. How apt are you at detecting blarney when you hear it? (Smooth talk, flattery)

From a mile away!! One of my spiritual gifts is discernment, and it's one that God has honed very well!!

8. How "green" are you, environmentally speaking?

Oh...round about the 50-50 mark. Always learning. Always trying.

9. What is your favorite song this week?

I bought a new Kutless cd and it's their worship album. There is a song on there called "Redeemer" and I have went to sleep singing it (in my heart) and woke up singing it (in my heart) and I've sung it everywhere I've went (out loud...not everyone has appreciated that!! :o) )

10. You are walking along and see a coin on the ground. What denomination does it have to be before you will stop to pick it up?

I usually pick up everyone one I see although I have occasionally walked past a penny...

11. Complete the sentence: "Every time I look outside my window ...."

I watch the birds eating and jumping and enjoying around the feeders.

12. What was the #1 song on the day you were born? See this site to find out.

"A Hard Day's Night" by the Beatles. I'm not a big Beatles fan but I do like this song...and now IT'S stuck in my head!!!

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

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

Yes! I truly love to target practice. Of course, I'm more apt to use a rifle or a pistol now that I'm older since a shotgun will almost knock me off my feet now!!

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

Some of them, yes. My best girlfriend in high school is actually the receptionist at our dentist's office so we get to see each other regularly!!

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

Early! I'd rather be an hour early as a minute late.

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

California...give me the beach baby!!

5. Do you have a special ring tone?

Nope.

6. What is your favorite type of chip?

ANY! But if I had to narrow it down...Munchos

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

???????

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

I do cut my bangs and the top of my hair regularly, but it's gotten so long in back I have to let the pros do that!

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

Oh my house...for sure!!

10. Are you allergic to anything?

Tetracycline and...get this...anchovies...

11. Why is it so hard to change?

Because change begins in our mind and it's hard to change what goes on in our mind in order to produce outward actions.

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.

When we make ourselves vulnerable we open ourselves up to be hurt and who wants to be hurt? But, oh the joys of true love far outway the hurt that may come along with that...

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

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

I've never been big into doing sports, so I'm not too sure what I'd participate in.....is there volleyball in the Olympics??

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?

I love watching the Olympics, especially ice skating, and nothing beat Scott Hamilton!!

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?

Nope.

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?

Doing laundry. I practice so much, I'm bound to be gold medal worthy!!

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?

I know that my great, great grandmother was Cherokee...that's about it.

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?

I love sleeping late!...the older I'm getting though, my bones have a different opinion!!

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)

No and no.

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.

I would love to go to Russia. I have a deep draw on my heart to do some mission work out there.

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?

Yes. Didn't work out. Didn't try again.

10. What is the last book you read?

Wow. It's been a while since I've read any book completely through. I read my Bible and I've been reading Hadassah.

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??

(I would have ran that little line through the first question to "mark it out" but I don't know how to do that...anyone willing to share how???)

Question: Do you change out air fresheners to match the seasons?

Answer: Yes. We'll be doing cinnamon, apple and vanilla until the first day of spring!

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the chicken taco fajitas at Cabo San Lucas...a Mexican restaurant in our town!!!

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

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

I'm a "just leave me alone please, if I need you, I'll let you know" kind of gal!

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

We homeschool.....school is NEVER canceled!!!

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

Sewing. I see a lot of things that ladies make (especially you guys in blogland!) and I find myself thinking, "How cute!! I wish I could do that!"

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

Nope.

5. What song is on your mind today?

"There is a River"---we sang it at church last Sunday

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

Classics

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.

I do pretty well here, but it's come from years of practice, conviction of the Spirit and lots of prayer!!

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

His persistence!!

9. When was the last time your heart raced?

Monday!!! (Check out my post!!!)

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

Making these huge paper heart containers and taping them to the side of our desk. Then on Valentines day, we could go by each other's desks and drop in our Valentines before school started.

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

I'd really rather not have candy (I love potato chips, remember??!!!!!)..but if I am going to get it, chocolate covered peanuts!!

12. Red or pink?

Red all the way!!!!!

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. Do you use the labels various charities send you as “free gifts?”

Usually. Most of the time though they only come in my name, so I end up whiting out my name and just writing in our last name on them.

2. What is your favorite time of day (or night) for skywatching?

I love those times at sunrise and sunset when the skies are fire orange and red and it's all swirled together...God paints the most AWESOME pictures!!!

3. What is the most adventurous you've ever been with trying a new food? (Keep it G-rated please)

I don't get too adventurous with food----does trying sardines count????

4. Have you ever heard a rock sing? (Trust me, there's a reason for this one!)

If you could see the look on my face, I'm clueless.......................

5. If you could learn a language you don't presently speak, what would it be?

I would speak Russian because I desire to do some mission trips to Russia someday.

6. Al Capone's tombstone read, “My Jesus, Mercy.” If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?

"How have you spent your dash?"

7. If you were a famous musician who was known by one name, like “Cher,” “Sting,” or “Jewel,” what would it be? It doesn’t have to be your first name, but it can be, if you’d like.

Okay, I've thought and thought and I'm still thinking..................

8. Have you ever been inordinately “into” a television show?

Oh yes...Many times. The latest was Kyle XY. I was soooo irritated when they just up and ended the show and left all of these loose ends!!!!!!!!!

9. When you sneeze, do you go big, or do you do that weird “heenh!” sound that makes people think you’re going to blow your brains out? Any other variation we should know about?

If I'm in church or a restaurant, I make that funky weird sound that in turn makes my eyes water and my head almost explode and, by the way, still draws and incredible amount of attention to myself. Anywhere else though, look out!!!....I bury my face into the bend of my arm and let go!!!!!!!

10. Do you still read an actual newspaper that you hold in your hands, or do you get your news elsewhere?

I still read the actual paper. I spend to much time on this 'puter as it is.

11. Are you a good speller?

Very good, actually.....as long as my brain doesn't run faster than my fingers can type.

12. At what time each day do you start thinking about lunch?

Lunch? Do people eat lunch? Hmmmm...need to check that out some time.....

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. How good are you at delaying gratification?

Getting better with time..but I still have a very long way to go. I heard a preacher put it this way, "We are microwave Christians serving a crock pot God." This really makes you stop and think.

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting?

Potato chips!!! I am a potato chip fanatic!!!!!!!! I LOVE potato chips!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did I mention I LOVE potato chips!!??

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you?

Let's see....before I had children I was a ½---now I'm at least a 3!!!!!!

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.?

Sure. Mostly in material things. This is a lesson that God has been trying to teach me for years.....material things only bring temporary pleasures at best.

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts?

Not usually.

6. Which line is hardest to wait in?

Whichever line I happen to be standing in!

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth?

Well, DD decided for us that we would wait, DS wanted the whole world to know! We had a sonar with both--just couldn't wait!

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly?

The elderly for sure, children depending on the situation I find myself in.

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present?

As a kid living at home, yes....now...NOOOOOO!!!!

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything?

5½ years....that's how long it took us to get pregnant with our first blessing.

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other?

We are about the same, just more patient with different things.

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.)

A) Anticipation by Carly Simon

B) The Waiting by Tom Petty

C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx

D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

I'm going to choose another song...While I'm Waiting by John Waller

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you crave?

This past Saturday..I hardly ever fry chicken anymore, partly because my hubby's on cholesterol meds and partly because I want us to eat healthier....but DH and I decided to go out Saturday and I just NEEDED some fried chicken!!! It was really good too!!!

2. M & M's or Skittles?

M & M's all the way!!

3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through?

Sadly, no. I've tried many times, but as of yet, I've not been successful.

4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning?

Within just a couple of minutes I'm ready to begin the day. My family hates me.......

5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to?

Nope and I have no desire to either.

6. Who is your favorite actress?

Ummmm.....don't really have a recent favorite because I can't stomach a lot of today's movies..sooo....total blank.....

7. ______ is something that I will just never understand.

The ways of people.....

8. How much of a technology junkie are you?

I can turn my 'puter on, surf a little, turn it off. I can turn my cell phone on, call and text a little, turn it off. I can turn my DVD player on, press play, turn it off. Get the picture??

9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you?

I LOVE cards!!! Sending a receiving. I love taking the time to pick a card that fits the person I'm sending it to. I honestly believe that this is an area where the internet has failed us. A physical card is so much more personal and thoughtful.

10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut?

Got a trim about a month ago...new style......1985?????

11. What do you enjoy shopping for most?

I enjoy shopping. Period.

12. What's the last thing you think of before you leave the house?

I am notorious for my mental checklist: Purse? Phone? Keys? Shoes?.....(The shoes is a true story...one I should tell very soon....)

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being a cranky-baby-hissy-fitter, how much of a complainer are you?

Normally....a 3 or 4. I'm not a big complainer, mostly because 'whiners' (what I call them) totally get on my nerves!!

2. When someone else is talking, do you listen, or are you thinking about what you're going to say in response?

I tend to veer back and forth. I tend to listen for a while then my mind says, "Oh! When they get done with that comment, say ____________" Then before I know it, I usually have to say, "What was that??" Something I surely need to work on!

3. I just deleted 1062 messages from my email account. Do you have any plans for a clean sweep this month--of anything?

Not really. I usually stay on top of most things like that. I hate clutter of any kind. (DH has rubbed off on me in 26 years!)

4. Tell us about your perfume. Was it a gift? What does it remind you of? Do you have a signature scent?

I wear Sand & Sable. I have worn Sand & Sable since I was 18 years old. My boss at the 2nd job I had out of high school wore it and I fell in love with the scent and that's how I found it and began wearing it. My kids don't call it Sand & Sable, they've dubbed it "Mom's Scent"....I like that...

5. What is your best organizing tip for the new year?

Don't allow clutter. Don't allow anything to pile up. When you come home, put away everything as you bring it in. It actually takes less time to put things straight-away than to come back to them later--usually when you have something else going on...

6. What is your favorite comic strip?

I have two actually...Baby Blues and Zits. They seem to portray real life to me!

7. Do you sleep with a fluffy or flat pillow?

Hmmm....my pillow is big, but firmer. Flat pillows give me a headache and fluffy pillows make me feel like the pillow is trying to snuff the life out of me.

8. What color is your kitchen? Why did you choose that color?

Of course....the one room in our old house we haven't remodeled yet....Let me say I haven't chosen any color in my kitchen. When we do remodel it will be be red and white with hints of black and stainless steel. Right now I have paneling on the bottoms of the wall with veggie wallpaper on the top. My cabinets are a pine color with one counter being pale yellow and my island being red. My floor is a stained white linoleum that does the wave in places....yes it's a mess, but I love my mess!

9. What’s the most interesting bumper sticker you’ve seen?

Total blank....nothing coming to mind...

10. Do you prefer an expensive writing tool or whatever is lying around? (Are you a Montblanc or a Papermate?)

I'm just happy to find a pen that writes!! If I'm buying though, it's a Bic..

11. What chore doesn’t feel like a chore – you just enjoy it (at least most of the time)?

Okay...most will probably think I'm nuts, but....washing dishes. I really don't mind because once the dishes are washed and put away, then I can clean the counters off and everything looks so neat and tidy!!

12. If your parents often repeated themselves, what is something one of them said more than once?

"Did you give everything water?" When I was growing up, my dad had 12-15 hunting dogs at any given time and literally hundreds of chickens. My job was to water everything in the morning and evening and without fail I would always be asked if I gave everything water---may explain why I'm anal about it with the 2 dogs and 1 cat we have now.....

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends?

I don't mind sharing my drink with DH, DD or DS. After that, I'll just give you my drink. I'm totally grossed out by backwash!!!

2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)

That I'm too busy and too worried about pleasing everyone I come in contact with, including total strangers. I've learned that my main goal is allowing God to direct my steps and pleasing Him.

3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations?

As soon as possible after Christmas. I love them when they're out, but as soon as the gifts are opened and the festivities are over, I'm ready for them to come down.

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is:

Losing 30 more pounds, getting totally out of debt ($46,000 more to go) and finishing the 37 books I've begun reading!!

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)?

I enjoy winter until about March, then I'm tired of being cold and wet.

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales?

I don't go the day after Christmas but I do buy bows and wrapping paper and such as I find them on sale.

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?

We'll probably do what we always do....DH and I will dose on the couch until the alarm goes off at five till midnight. We'll quickly pour the sparkling cider, ring in the new year with a smooch, a drink and off to bed!! We are TOTAL party animals!!!

8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January?

The 19th birthday of DD!!! A trip for 2 nights and 3 days with just me, my Mom and DD!! (A Christmas gift from DH..ain't he the best!!!?)

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)

Drama...ALWAYS drama!!! (I have teenagers, remember??)

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know.

In the past, I'd find 3 or 4 hours quickly fly by...Now, I get on here if I have something to post, check out a few other blogs, comment and I'm off of here. I've been greatly convicted of the fact that I spend more time on this computer than with my Father..no more...

11. Who runs your household?

God, DH and myself. Usually in that order. Have I mentioned I'm a control freak??

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010.

Well, mine will be two rolled into one....that I'm able to slow down and truly spend time with my Father and my family enjoying all that He has blessed us with and enjoying every minute and trusting Him with the ones that aren't so enjoyable.

Blog Party at She Looketh Well

My friend Michelle over at She Looketh Well is having a bit of a blog party. The main goal is to link like-minded women together to get to know one another and--at least how I understand--help all of to realize that we're not in this alone. There are plenty of other women who think, feel, react...just like we do.

All you need to do to participate is do a little bio about yourself then head on over to Michelle's site and link up with her. She is running this through tomorrow and is giving away a sweet gift as well!!!

Who is Deb?

Well.....I have to think about that one for a minute.......Deb is pretty simple, but can get pretty complicated at times.

Deb is a daughter to Lawrence and Janice and a sister to Michelle (not our blog party Michelle---although she is my sister in Christ!!). She is wife to Philip for almost 26 years and Mom to Beth for 18 years and Zack for 16 years.

She's been a daughter of the King for 17 years and a SAHM for a bit longer than that.

She loves to write, thus the blog, but is pretty insecure about how well she does that. However, she's decided that she'll just allow God to direct her words and let Him handle it from there.

She loves to be in the kitchen baking and trying new recipes, but hates cleaning up the mess!!

She loves to shop frugally and will spend a lot of time and effort to get the best bargains and save the most money. Why?? Because her DH works incredibly hard for their family and it is her way of blessing him and teaching her children that it's not how much you have, but what you do with what you've got that matters.

She, along with her DH, have been homeschooling for 12 years and have graduated their oldest this past May with their baby graduating this next May.

What she will do after that, she has no idea. She'd love to use her writing to gain an income to help her hubby pay off bills and then be able to travel with him to those places they've dreamed of...but she's going to allow God to show her what comes next as His ways are always perfect!!

Without Further Ado....

Yes, I'm suffering from a huge case of writer's block.

Yes, it's been an up and down, emotional, teenage kind of life around our house since Friday.

Yes, it's times like this I have to admit my body is making me realize that my age catches up with me from time to time.

So, while sitting here wondering what in the world to post about, because my writer's block has me completely locked up, I was looking at pictures in my digital camera and smiling because there are pics in there from DD's graduation, laughing because there are pics in there of R's son's graduation. Rolling my eyes because there are pics of Miss Kitty laying on her back with her feet in the air....oh what a wonderful life she leads...and then I got to thinking (and that is always a dangerous place for me to be in) that there are things--important things--you don't know about me.

Then I thought, "Hey!! Post those awesomely amazing things that absolutely everyone wants to know about wonderful you!!" So, here I go with 10 things you just can't live without.....!!

1. I am terrified of most bugs. I love June bugs, lightning bugs, daddy long legs and grasshoppers...beyond that, I'm all girl and will scream at the top of my lungs should one of the "other" bugs even look my way!!

2. My toes, my big toe and the one next to it, automatically cross when I'm sitting down. I don't know why, they just do.

3. I am allergic to anchovies.

4. I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was 12.

5. I can play the flute.

6. I can wiggle my nose without moving any other part of my face.

7. When I was in the 7th grade, I was thrown off a horse and the horse then came down on my ankle and crushed it!!

8. I've had a firecracker blow up in my hand--took half my thumbnail with it!!~~~ confession~~~ The firecracker blew up in my hand because I was busy laughing at my cousin who just had a firecracker blow up in his hand!!

9. My eyes change color almost daily..today they are are brown with a thin line of blue around the brown.

10. I love, love, love drag racing!!! Funny cars, top fuel, smoking tires, insides rattling with those huge motors, 335 mph.....!!!!

Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!!!

Me? Think I'll go cross my toes, wiggle my nose, and watch some drag racing!!

More About Me--Infertility

A couple of things before I begin today's actual post:

I initially intended to do More About Me on strictly Monday's, but God has revealed to me that I can't limit when I should post something. What I intended to post Monday, God kept preventing and I'm now able to post it today. Don't know why, not going to ask. Just going to trust that what He intended will come to pass.

I also want to thank those who have sent me questions and posed situations. I am being honest when I say I really want more questions. Do I have all the answers? Of course not!! But I have found a lot of things that I can address through God's Word.

Some of the questions that have come my way..I've lived. Some, I have not. But it's at those times I'm going straight to God's Word to seek Him and answers. Please keep those questions coming!! As always, I won't reveal who has asked what. Many questions I've gotten are of a personal nature and some I've answered in direct e-mails. As you read my posts, I'm sure you'll recognize if this was one of your questions....


We struggled with infertility for years. As I posted here, it took us 5½ years to get pregnant with DD. We actually had her one month after our 7th anniversary.

Those 5½ years were so hard and so discouraging. We even came to a point that we accepted our inability to have biological children and began the process of adoption.

While we fully accepted adoption and were eager to get that process going, there was a tugging in my heart that I may never actually give birth.

Looking back, I would have given anything had we been Christians at that time. I'm confident that God would have been every strength and emotion I needed to move forward. Hindsight being what it is, I do recognize now, that He was there all along.

I remember we came to the decision to end our fertility treatments in March of 1990 and begin the process of adoption. The constant Dr visits and medications and temp checks and on and on and on over 5½ years had taken it's toll. We finally accepted the fact..even though we weren't Christians...that if God wanted us to have a baby, He'd provide one...somehow.

Within a week, we had begun the adoption process and both of us were so excited!!!

In a very short time--literally days--I went from sadness that I couldn't conceive to sheer excitement over the fact that we--at some point--were actually going to welcome a child into our home!!!

As I said, this was in March. We were so busy with our jobs and the home checks and the paperwork and all of that stuff that begins the adoption process, that I hadn't even realized I'd missed a period. Some time around the end of May though, I noticed that my body was feeling...different. Certain body parts were giving me a considerable amount of pain and tenderness. I was talking to a close friend about it and she encouraged me to take--yet another--pregnancy test.

After a couple of weeks I finally gave in and found out I was indeed pregnant!!

There are no words to convey the sheer joy and shock that DH and I felt at that news!! We met with our social worker and came to the decision that since we were actually pregnant, we were going to halt the adoption process..for a time at least.

God blessed and as my bloggy friends know...we have two amazingly wonderful biological children.

But what about those who have struggled with infertility and are still not pregnant?

How would I be right now had God not blessed me with those 2 great kids?? Would I have adopted? Would I have accepted the fact I might not ever get pregnant? What would I have done?

Our decision to begin the adoption process came from the fact that DH's parents were foster parents. We met so many kids of all ages that so desperately just wanted to be loved and have a stable home. We knew that if we couldn't conceive, adoption would be our next step.

We also gave much thought into being foster parents ourselves, but I have a very honest confession about that......I don't know that I could love them and then watch them move on. I got very attached to the children that my in laws had and when they left, it was devastating to me. I just don't think fostering is something I could do.

I spent this week looking at some Scripture....

Psalm 113:9 says,

"He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother."

Isaiah 54:1 says,

"Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you who have never been in labor. for the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband." says the Lord."

(Both verses are NLT)

Now, I'm not thinking that the Father is saying here that you should just be happy and move on since you're not able to give birth. He created our feelings and emotions and He fully understands our pain and anguish.

I have some friends, 2 in particular, whom God has not allowed them to conceive.
Both of these women have walked different emotional paths with their infertility.

One woman became a school teacher. She is working with special needs kids and they fill her life with much joy!! She loves these kids so much and makes such a difference in each sweet little life. She is patient and calm and so tender with each child...God has blessed her with many kids and her love pot just keeps overflowing!!

She works with the teen girls at her church and she is able to have them over to her house and work with them and focus strictly on them. These teenagers keep her busy and they trust and love her so much!

She didn't give birth, nor has she adopted, but she has loved and help raise so many children over the years...children many of us would never be able to love or help grow.

The next lady married a man who had children from a previous relationship. During their early years of marriage, both hoped to have biological children together.

Oh..she loved her husband's children, but she really wanted "one of her own".

For a time, she really struggled with the fact that she wasn't getting pregnant and finally accepted that, unless God intervened, she would never have a biological child.

After much prayer and time spent with God, God showed her that He'd already provided her children. These kids that she'd "married" needed a mom so much...and she was that woman.

She was called to this place. To be a Godly example to these kids and show them how to be Biblical wives.

She was to show the boys what a Biblical wife looked like so they would know what to look for when the time for them to choose wives arrived.

She soon learned that the time and effort she was putting into "wanting a family" was wasted....she had children. God had provided.

I don't know your situation or where you may be in your battle with infertility, but I do ask you to pray honestly and ask God to reveal to you His plan.

Maybe He's asking you to adopt or be a foster parent..or maybe He's provided you children in another way.

Maybe He wants you to teach those kids at church and be available to them.

Maybe you've "married" children who so hunger for your love and attention and just need a mom.

If we are faithful and trust God because He is perfect and will never fail, we know He will give us the desires of our hearts..maybe not in the way we would choose, but in His way because He is perfect.

Stepping Out---More About Me

Good Monday morning to all my bloggy buddies out there!!

I was out running some errands this weekend. I had the radio blaring (yes..I do listen to my music too loud--and my teenagers love it!!!.) I was thinking about my blogging and what God would have me do with it and all of a sudden I heard More About Me.

More about me??? Doesn't that sound a little pompous??

But, I turned my music down and tried to get a little quiet so I could know whether it was just my twisted mind thinking or if God was actually wanting me to begin something for a season.

It has been something I've thought about and prayed about all weekend and so with that here goes...

My Monday posts are going to begin with you. How's that you ask?

Well on Monday's (at least for a season) I'm going to have More About Me. You get to send me some questions (in good taste please) and I'll try to answer them.

In the bloggy world, we all tend to write about our what's going on in our lives or things God lays on our hearts. We write about ways to save money and be a better spouse and parent. We write about our awesome Father and what works He's doing in our lives and I want More About Me to focus on those same things, but on a deeper, more personal level.

For instance, I'm a 44 year old, stay-at-home Mom. I've been married to the most awesome man in the world for over 25 years. We've been homeschooling for almost 12 years, with our oldest graduating in May and our baby graduating next year.
We went through 5½ years of fertility treatments before getting pregnant with DD. I've been a child of the King for almost 17 years.

Pretty basic stuff, but how did I get there???

Maybe the paths I went down are where you are now. Small example...

I met Jesus when I was 27 years old. I grew up in a strict non-Christian home. I did go to church, but it was because a friend of the family came and picked me (and later my sister) up every time there was a service and took us to church. Even though I went to church with these friends for about 10 years, I didn't accept Jesus as my Savior. I was always a "good girl" and never got into much trouble at all and the trouble I did get into wasn't very serious.

I met DH and we married after knowing each other only 4½ months. We tried churches here and there, but we were good people and didn't give God too much thought.

We'd been married about 7½ years and DH and I entered the party scene. Circumstances in our workplace (we worked at the same place) put us in situations that led us to leading a very hard party lifestyle that truly, almost destroyed our marriage. We had reached the point of dividing things up, DH looking for a place of his own to live and trying to decide who would get DD when. (DS hadn't come along at that point)

In His Awesomeness, 3 years earlier God had moved us to a very rural community and planted us next door to a church. The pastor of that church lived across the street and visited us on occasion. He was never overbearing, just came over to chat and invite us to church. He was a super nice guy and DH actually got to where he enjoyed his visits. Me? I just hung out inside and wouldn't go outside until he left.

During our party phase, DH found a new job and so things in our marriage only got worse because I was still working with that party crowd. I still wanted to hang out with those people--they were fun!!

Again--God showing up and showing out (though we didn't know it) DH found out that the son of our next door preacher worked at the same place DH now worked. They decided to save on gas, they'd start riding together.

By our 8 year anniversary, we realized it would probably be the last one we'd have. Things were horribly bad and getting worse.

All of a sudden one Sunday morning I felt DH get out of the bed. We were both nursing hangovers and so I figured he was just going to the bathroom (again). He did, but instead of being sick he was getting a shower. He came out, got dressed. I asked him where he was going and he told me church. I belted out laughing. I remember saying, "You've got to be joking!!!", but he was very serious.

Me: "Well, I don't believe you so I'm going to church too just to make sure that's where you're going."

DH: "Good. C (the preacher's son) invited me...well, us...to a...revival? Thought I'd check it out."

Me: "Sure...I'll be ready in just a few minutes."

Didn't have to worry about getting DD ready, she was still at Grannie's house.

Sure enough, within the hour we were sitting in our next door church and talk about feeling like a hair in a biscuit!!!!

The man preaching wasn't our next door preacher, but I was sure this guy had been stalking us..sitting outside our door listening to our fights and accusations. Now I know it was God Himself, but at that moment...I was pretty shook up.

By the end of service, I knew if I didn't get out of that place, the roof was going to cave in on me. I had never felt so nasty dirty in all my life!

This preacher offered something called an invitation. Did I want to give up this world and come to a Man Who could help me get out of this pit I was in and live a better life with Him? If so, come on up. Someone would be there to introduce me to Him.

I didn't know about DH, but I couldn't stand still a minute longer. I don't remember getting to the front of that church. I don't remember talking to that preacher. I do remember falling in that altar and crying like I'd never cried before and telling God how sorry I was and begging Him to forgive me and clean me up.

He did.

As I stood up, many ladies were hugging me and encouraging me and I looked to find DH standing up from that same altar. He'd met with God as well.

It was the end of an old, destructive life and the beginning of a new one...the three of us...me and DH with God in the center.

So you have my testimony of how I met Jesus--but do you have questions about my growing up years, or that party period and how God has uses that in our lives now.

Do you wonder about homeschooling or being a Biblical wife.

Questions my buddies. Just ask. (again in good taste, please). Don't worry, I'd never share your names or point you out and if you have something of a very personal nature, just zap me an e-mail.

Maybe the story of my life is just what you need to hear to encourage you in yours.

Can't wait to hear from you!!!!